New Pest Response Guidelines - Purdue Extension Entomology

Transcription

New Pest Response Guidelines - Purdue Extension Entomology
United States
Department of
Agriculture
Marketing and
Regulatory
Programs
Animal and
Plant Health
Inspection
Service
Cooperating State
Departments of
Agriculture
March 21, 2005
New Pest Response
Guidelines
Giant African Snails:
Snail Pests in the Family
Achatinidae
New Pest Response Guidelines
Giant African Snails: Snail Pests in the Family Achatinidae
March 21, 2005
New Pest Response Guidelines. Giant African Snails: Snail Pests in the
Family Achatinidae was prepared by the Mollusk Action Plan Working
Group and formatted/edited by Patricia S. Michalak, USDA/APHIS/
PPQ/Manuals Unit.
Site this report as follows: USDA/APHIS 2005. New Pest Response
Guidelines. Giant African Snails: Snail Pests in the Family Achatinidae.
USDA/APHIS/PPQ/PDMP, Riverdale, Maryland. http://
www.aphis.usda.gov/ppq/manuals/
Richard Dunkle, Deputy Administrator
USDA/APHIS/PPQ
USDA/APHIS/PPQ
Pest Detection and Management Programs
Planning and Preparedness
Joel Floyd, Director
4700 River Road
Unit 137
Riverdale, Maryland 20737
Telephone: 310/734-4396
[email protected]
Credits
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Snail Pests in the
Family Achatinidae
Mollusk Action Plan Working Group
Joel Floyd, USDA/APHIS/PPQ/PDMP/Planning and Preparedness,
Riverdale, Maryland
Carolyn Cohen, USDA/APHIS/IS, Santo Domingo, Dominican
Republic
Mark Hitchcox, USDA/APHIS/PPQ, Portland, Oregon
Connie Riherd, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer
Services, Gainesville, Florida
David Robinson, USDA/APHIS/PPQ/BTS/NIS, Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania
Amy Roda, USDA/APHIS/PPQ/CPHST, Florida
James Smith, USDA/APHIS/PPQ/CPHST, Raleigh, North Carolina
Tim Stevens, USDA/APHIS/PPQ, Wilmington, North Carolina
Jeffrey Stibick, USDA/APHIS/PPQ, Riverdale, Maryland
Fred Zimmerman, USDA/APHIS/PPQ, Miami, Florida
Reviewers
Robert Hollingsworth, USDA/ARS, Hilo, Hawaii
Yvette Ogle, Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services,
Gainesville, Florida
Graphics
David Robinson—All images unless otherwise specified
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New Pest Response Guidelines
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Credits
Graphics
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Contents
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Snail Pests in the
Family Achatinidae
Credits page 1-i
Mollusk Action Plan Working Group i
Reviewers i
Graphics i
Chapter 1 Introduction page 1-1
Program Safety 1
Purpose 1
Pest Status 2
Disclaimers and Document Comprehension 2
Commercial Suppliers or Products 2
Contacts 3
Initiating an Emergency Pest Response Program 3
Support for Program Decision Making 5
Chapter 2 Pest Information page 2-1
Classification 1
Spread of Achatinids 2
Achatinids in the U.S. 2
Movement from Africa 3
Impact And Host Range 4
Ecological Range 5
Biology 6
Achatina fulica Bowdich 1822 6
Achatina achatina (Linné 1758) 7
Archachatina marginata (Swainson 1821) 8
Limicolaria aurora (Jay 1839) 8
Behavior of Achatinids 9
Chapter 3 Identification page 3-1
Introduction 1
Verification 1
Identification 1
Identification of Quarantine-significant Snails 1
Identification of Quarantine-insignificant Snails 11
Collection, Preparation and Submission of Specimens 13
Labeling 13
Local quarantine procedures 14
Submitting Specimens for Identification 14
Identification by Digital Imaging 14
Chapter 4 Survey Procedures page 4-1
Introduction 1
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Contents
Detection Survey 1
Identify high-risk sites 1
Estimate size of survey 1
Delimiting Survey 1
Core zone 2
Protection zone 3
Public outreach zone 3
Monitoring Survey 3
Backtracking 3
Population Dynamics 4
Estimate Population Density 4
Determine Rate of Dispersal 4
Visual Inspection 4
Intensity 4
Seasonality 5
Time of Sampling 5
Micro habitats 5
Search for Evidence 5
Trapping 7
Chapter 5 Regulatory Procedures page 5-1
Instructions to Officers 1
Issuing an Emergency Action Notification 1
Regulated Articles 2
Plant Material 2
Soil and Building Materials 2
Miscellaneous Items 2
Quarantine Actions 3
Regulated Establishments 3
Property Survey 4
Use of Pesticides 4
Approved Treatments for Regulatory Articles 4
Cold Treatment 4
Fumigation/Cold Treatment 4
Fumigation/Vacuum 4
Sanitation 5
Soil Treatment 5
Principal Activities 5
Regulatory Inspection for Snails 5
Additional Factors Involving Movement 6
Storage of Supplies and Equipment 6
Principal Activities 8
Removing Areas from Quarantine 9
Chapter 6 Public Education page 6-1
Introduction 1
Legislative and Public Affairs 1
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Positive Response 2
Chapter 7 Control Procedures page 7-1
Introduction 1
Laws Pertaining to Pesticide Use 1
Environmental Monitoring 1
Orientation of Control Personnel 2
Records 2
Site Assessment 2
Site Visit 2
Site classification 3
Site Mapping 3
Defining the Treatment Area 4
Treatment Options 4
Application of Recommended Molluscicides 4
Metaldehyde 5
Methiocarb 5
Iron Phosphate 5
Tips for Applying Molluscicides 5
Application Of Cultural Controls 6
Copper Foil Barrier 6
Bordeaux Mixture 6
Soil Barrier 7
Hand Collect Snails 7
Disruption of Soil 8
Sanitation 8
Trapping 8
Burn Debris 8
Apply Herbicides 8
Application Of Biological Control Organisms 8
Predators 9
Pathogens 10
Approved Treatments for Regulated Articles 10
Cold Treatment 10
Fumigation/Cold Treatment 11
Fumigation/Vacuum 11
Sanitation 11
Soil Treatment 11
Chapter 8 Environmental Compliance page 8-1
Overview 1
Disclaimer 1
Chapter 9 Pathways page 9-1
Introduction 1
Natural Dissemination 1
Impact of International Flights 2
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Contents
Commerce 3
Pet Industry 3
Countries of Origin 4
Destinations 5
Chapter 10 Glossary page 10-1
Definitions 1
Chapter 11 Resources page 11-1
Pesticide Supplies 1
Mesurol® Products 1
Deadline® Products 1
First Choice ® Sluggo Slug and Snail Bait 1
Copper Sulfate and Bordeaux Mixtures 1
Pest Management Supplies 2
USDA/APHIS/Environmental Services contacts 3
USDA/APHIS/PPQ/Environmental Monitoring 3
Other 3
Predicting Pest Development 3
Collecting Local Temperature Data 3
Chapter 12 References page 12-1
References 1
Appendix A Using Molluscicides page A-1
General Safety Information 1
First Aid Suggestions 1
Managing and Monitoring Spills 2
Cleanup Equipment 2
Appendix B Snail Survey Report Worksheet page B-1
Appendix C Food Plants page C-1
Achatina achatina 1
Achatina fulica 3
Archachatina marginata 14
Limicolaria aurora 17
References 17
Appendix D Pest Alert 81-35-009 page D-1
Appendix E Program Aid No. 1808 page E-1
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Introduction
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Snail Pests in the
Family Achatinidae
Program Safety
Important
Consumption of snails and slugs, or of vegetables and fruits contaminated by
snails and slugs, may lead to infection by pathogens that are easily
transmitted by these pests. Wear rubber or latex gloves when handling
mollusks, associated soil, excrement or other materials that may have come
in contact with the snails. Immediately after removing protective gloves,
thoroughly wash hands with hot soapy water and rinse well. Consult a
physician if, after handling snails and slugs, you experience symptoms
resembling forms of meningitis, including headache, stiff neck, tingling or
painful feelings in the skin, low-grade fever, nausea, and vomiting. These
symptoms could indicate an infection by Angiostrongylus cantonensis, a
parasite carried by snails and slugs. Additional diseases are carried by snails
and slugs.
Safety of the public and program personnel has the highest priority.
Safety officers and supervisors must enforce on-the-job safety
procedures. Follow all safety precautions outlined in the USDA
Emergency Programs Manual, Section 9. In addition, observe the
following precautions while working with snails (CDC 2004):
◆ Always wear disposable gloves when handling live or dead snails,
slime, or other snail products
◆ Always wear disposable gloves when handling food plants that
mollusks have fed upon
◆ Wash your hands with hot, soapy water immediately after
removing gloves
◆ Do not eat mollusk products or contaminated vegetables and
fruit, especially if raw or undercooked
◆ Collect and dispose of shells in an approved landfill, to prevent
their use as breeding sites by disease-carrying mosquitoes
◆ Health personnel should remain alert for the appearance of new
diseases in snail-infested areas
Purpose
Use New Pest Response Guidelines. Giant African Snails: Snail Pests in
the Family Achatinidae as a guide when designing a program to detect,
monitor, control, contain, or eradicate an infestation of achatinids. If
these pests are detected in the U.S., PPQ personnel will produce a
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Introduction
Pest Status
site-specific action plan based on the New Pest Response Guidelines
and the most recent findings. We hope that state agriculture
department personnel and others concerned with developing local
survey or control programs for this pest may find this document
useful.
PPQ develops each through discussion, consultation, or agreement
with staff at Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS),
Agricultural Research Service (ARS), and with university advisors.
Pest Status
The species reported are plant pests or show promise of being plant
pests. Most achatinids feed on a wide variety of plants and may utilize
new hosts in a new environment. This report focuses on the control of
several species of achatinids. All of the achatinids have a potential for
entry and establishment in the U.S. and thus all are of equal concern.
Commerce and intentional spread by mankind appear to be the most
likely pathways for introduction of this pest.
Disclaimers and Document Comprehension
This document is not intended to be complete and exhaustive. It
provides a foundation, based on the literature available, to assist
further work. Some key articles were not available at the time of
writing, and not all specialists and members of the research
community were consulted for their advice. For the most current
information on this pest, consult with local agricultural experts,
including personnel from Cooperative Extension Service, state
Departments of Agriculture and USDA. Conduct your own literature
search. Search web sites frequently, since material is updated
periodically.
Commercial Suppliers or Products
References to commercial suppliers or products should not be
construed as an endorsement of the company or product by the U.S.
Department of Agriculture.
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Contacts
Contacts
When an emergency program for achatinids has been implemented, its
success depends on the cooperation, assistance, and understanding of
other involved groups. The appropriate liaison and information officers
should distribute news of program progress and developments to
interested groups, including:
◆ Other federal, state, county, and municipal agricultural officials
◆ Grower groups (such as specific commodity or industry groups)
◆ Commercial interests
◆ Academic entities with agricultural interests
◆ Land-grant universities and Cooperative Extension Services
◆ State and local law enforcement officials
◆ Public health agencies
◆ Foreign agricultural interests
◆ National, state and local news media, and
◆ The public
Initiating an Emergency Pest Response Program
An emergency pest response program or incident response consists of
detection and delimitation, and may be followed by programs in
regulation, containment, eradication and/or control.
If a newly detected exotic or imminent pest threat does not have a
current New Pest Response Guidelines document for reference, the
New Pest Advisory Group (NPAG) evaluates the pest. After assessing
the risk to U.S. plant health and consulting with experts and
regulatory personnel, NPAG makes a recommendation to PPQ
management for a course of action.
Follow this sequence when initiating an emergency pest response
program:
1. A new or reintroduced pest is discovered and reported.
2. The pest is examined and pre-identified by regional or area
identifier (See “Identification” on page 3-1).
3. Pest identity is confirmed by national taxonomic authority (See
“Identification” on page 3-1).
4. New Pest Response Guidelines are consulted or NPAG is
assembled to evaluate the pest.
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Introduction
Initiating an Emergency Pest Response Program
5. Depending on the urgency, official notifications are made to the
National Plant Board, cooperators, or trading partners.
6. A delimiting survey is conducted at sight of detection (See
“Delimiting Survey” on page 4-1).
7. A Incident Assessment Team may be sent to evaluate the site.
8. A recommendation is made, based on the assessment of surveys,
other data, and recommendations of the Incident Assessment
Team and/or an NPAG, as follows (See “Regulatory Procedures”
on page 5-1 and See “Public Education” on page 6-1):
❖ Take no action
❖ Regulate the pest
❖ Contain the pest
❖ Suppress the pest
❖ Eradicate the pest
9. State Departments of Agriculture are consulted.
10. If appropriate, a control strategy is selected.
11. A PPQ Deputy Administrator authorizes a response.
12. A command post is selected and the Incident Command System
is implemented.
13. Further detection surveys are conducted (See “Survey
Procedures” on page 4-1).
14. Field identification procedures are standardized (See
“Identification” on page 3-1).
15. Data reporting is standardized.
16. Environmental assessments are completed as necessary.
17. Treatment is applied for required pest generational time (See
“Public Education” on page 6-1).
18. Environmental monitoring is conducted if appropriate.
19. Pest monitoring surveys are conducted to evaluate program
success (See “Survey Procedures” on page 4-1 and See “Public
Education” on page 6-1).
20. Programs are designed for eradication, containment or long-term
control of the pest (See “Public Education” on page 6-1).
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Support for Program Decision Making
Support for Program Decision Making
The USDA/APHIS/PPQ Center for Plant Health, Science and
Technology provides technical support to emergency pest response
program directors concerning risk assessments, survey methods,
control strategies, regulatory treatments, and other aspects of pest
response programs.
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Support for Program Decision Making
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Pest Information
1
Snail Pests in the
Family Achatinidae
Classification
Phylum—Mollusca
Class—Gastropoda
Order—Pulmonata
Family—Achatinidae
Achatinidae is the name of a family of giant snails that are native to
Africa. Commerce and intentional spread by mankind appear to be the
most likely pathways for introduction of this pest to the U.S. This
report focuses on the control of several species of achatinids that are
pests of plants. Achatinids have a potential for entry and
establishment in the U.S. and thus all are of equal concern. In this
report, each snail is referred to by its species name (Table 2-1 below).
Snail terminology is confusing, because scientists and the media often
use the name “giant African snail” to refer to any large land snail.
Scientifically, the common name “giant African snail” is applicable to
Achatina fulica. The emphasis on A. fulica in this report reflects its
predominance as well as the abundance of literature focused on this
species.
TABLE 2-1 Quarantine significant giant terrestrial snails originating in Africa. All
snails in the family Achatinidae have a potential for entry and
establishment in the U.S.
Scientific name
Common names
Achatina achatina
(Linné 1758)
giant African snail, escargot
Géant, Achatine, giant Ghana
tiger snail
Achatina fulica
Bowdich 1822
giant African snail, escargot
Géant, Achatine, Caramujo
Archachatina
marginata
(Swainson 1821)
giant African snail, Achatine,
banana rasp snail
Limicolaria aurora
(Jay 1839)
escargot géant d’Afrique
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Pest Information
Spread of Achatinids
Spread of Achatinids
Abbott (1949) documented the movement of A. fulica out of Africa and
around the world, fearing its spread across the U.S. (Figure 2-1
below).
Achatinids in the U.S.
Achatina fulica first appeared in the U.S. in gardens in San Pedro,
California in the late 1940s (Abbott 1949). Inspectors in California
found thousands of A. fulica moving up the wharf area of San Pedro
and quickly eradicated them, preventing their establishment in
California (Mead 1949 and 1961; Hanna 1966).
FIGURE 2-1 Dissemination of achatinid snails from Africa since 1804. Revised from
Raut and Barker (2002) and Abbott (1949) by USDA/APHIS/
Legislative and Public Affairs.
Despite subsequent infestations, achatinids have not become
established in the U.S. Inspectors in California, Oregon, Louisiana,
Texas and Maryland intercepted many specimens brought in by the
return of war material from snail infested areas. In 1949, 1950, and
1951, there were six, eight, and twelve interceptions, respectively, at
California ports. Between 1948 and 1958, snails were intercepted fifty
times in California. The number of interceptions decreased after war
material ceased being imported. Since then, snails have been found in
Arizona, Florida, the midwest and eastern US, and Puerto Rico.
A regulatory incident occurred in Arizona in 1958 (Mead 1959). A
young boy, traveling with his family from Hawaii to California, packed
A. fulica snails in a suitcase. The family later drove to the east coast.
On the way, they left the snails at a wild animal farm in Arizona. When
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Spread of Achatinids
the owner of the farm included the snails in advertising, he learned
that they were serious pests. State quarantine agents destroyed the
snails. A period of two weeks had passed and the snails had little time
to reproduce.
Achatina fulica became established temporarily in Florida in the late
1960’s. A boy, returning from Hawaii in 1966, brought three snails
into Florida. His grandmother released them in her garden. In 1969,
the Florida Division of Plant Industry was alerted to the infestations
and began a survey and eradication program. By 1973, over 18,000
snails were destroyed, a testimony to the reproductive powers of A.
fulica. After an absence of two years, inspectors declared it eradicated.
In 2004, USDA inspectors discovered the importation of A. fulica by
the pet store trade and educational institutions. Inspectors initiated a
control program in April. By the time the program ended in late
September, 6,700 snails were found in nine states and Puerto Rico.
Wisconsin was the center of the infestation. One snail was found in
both New Jersey and in Puerto Rico, and 3,139 were found in Ohio,
where A. fulica was used as an educational tool for school children.
Fortunately, the snail did not establish itself in the natural
environment. The last confiscation occurred at a residence on
September 28, 2004, in West Olive, Michigan.
Movement from Africa
From Africa, A. fulica also spread west. It arrived on the West African
coastline in the 1980’s. In Ghana, it displaced the native snail
Achatina achatina (Asamoah 1999). Travelers have carried A. fulica
even further west. Within a short period after its introduction, A. fulica
achieved dominance in the achatinid community in the Ivory Coast
and in Ghana and became a significant crop pest (Raut & Barker
2002).
In 1984, A. fulica, A. marginata and L. aurora from Africa reached the
Caribbean (Mead & Palcy 1992, 1993; Robinson 1997). Raut & Barker
(2002) claim that A. fulica moved to the Caribbean via Florida.
Achatina fulica spread to several Caribbean Islands. It was found in
Brazil in 1997, and has spread throughout most of that nation. Coltro
(1997) and Paiva (2004) predict that it will spread to South and
Central America. In the Pacific Ocean, A. fulica has continued to
spread among the islands. It was found in Gordonville, Australia in
1977, and in Currumbin, Queensland in 2004. Both infestations were
eradicated.
Achatina fulica has also spread throughout Asia, to islands in the
Pacific and Indian Oceans, and to the West Indies.
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Impact And Host Range
Impact And Host Range
Achatinids are a potential threat to a wide variety of crops, including
vegetable, field, oil, ornamental and fruit crops (see “Food Plants” on
page C-1). The following are examples of losses attributed to A. fulica:
One million dollars—A six-year campaign to eradicate achatinids from
Florida ended in 1975 at a cost of one million dollars (Simberloff
1996). Economists estimated that, if the infestation of this pest in
1969 had remained undetected, annual losses would have reached 11
million dollars (in 1969 dollars) (Smith & Fowler 2003).
Tropical food crops—In 1994, this snail threatened production of the
basic food crops of Western Samoa, including bananas and coconuts
(CIA 1996).
Infestation in South America—In Brazil, infestation of this snail
resulted in displacement of small agricultural producers to cities,
lessened availability of food, greater food prices, and the importation of
food (Paiva 2004).
Damage to shade and native plants—Snails can have profound effects
on plant communities, including endangered plant species. The effects
are comparable to infestations of insects and rodents (Speiser 2001).
Snails are generally not host specific.
Labor and materials—Costs for labor and materials associated with
snail control are costly.
Nutrient cycling—Under conditions of heavy infestations, large
volumes of plant material pass through the snail gut, altering nutrient
cycles.
Plant pathogens—Transmission of plant pathogens, including
Phytophthora palmivora (in black pepper, betel pepper, coconut,
papaya), Phytophthora colocasiae (in taro), and Phytophthora
parasitica (in eggplant and tangerine).
Human pathogens— Achatina fulica is a vector of Angiostrongylus
cantonensis (Nematoda) (Chen 1935) causing eosinophilic meningitis
(or cerebral angiostrongyliasis) in humans. The spread of the disease
has been correlated with the spread of A. fulica (Cowie, 2004).
Achatinids carry other diseases that affect humans and animals (Raut
& Barker 2002).
Obstruction of roadways and walkways—The snails frequently reach
such great numbers that they cover roadways and walkways.
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Ecological Range
Native snails—Native snail populations are likely to be affected by
control efforts aimed at the invasive species (Cowie 2004).
Tourism—Degradation of habitat caused by snail feeding and feces
may have an impact on local tourism.
Ecological Range
Achatinids are native to tropical and subtropical Africa south of the
Sahara (Pilsbry 1919). Achatina fulica is the most adaptable species,
which accounts for its success throughout the world. This species is
abundant as far north as 30° latitude. Temperature, moisture and
availability of calcium restrict its range. The exact ecological range is
unknown. Expect to find A. fulica in environments that meet the
following requirements:
◆ A minimum temperature of 34°
◆ Subtropical rainfall, and
◆ Available calcium and soil pH of 7.0-8.0
Smith and Fowler (2003) predicted a potential distribution of A. fulica
in the continental United States of up to 38° Latitude, including most
of the southern states, up to Maryland in the east, through Texas to
California in the west, and north to Washington and the climate of the
Pacific northwest (Figure 2-2 below.
)
FIGURE 2-2 Potential distribution of Achatina fulica in the continental U.S. Adapted
from Zhou et al (1998), Raut and Barker (2002) and Mead (1973).
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Biology
Biology
Achatinids require calcium for proper formation of the shell and for
successful reproduction. Achatinids obtain calcium from many
sources in their environment. Calcium carbonate can be found in
alkaline soils. Plants also provide a store of calcium silicates where
free calcium is not readily abundant in the soil. In large populations,
snails ingest the shells of live and dead snails to obtain minerals.
Species in the family Achatinidae differ with respect to development,
reproductive behavior, size, and temperature and moisture
requirements.
Achatina fulica Bowdich 1822
This species is highly adaptable to a wide range of environments,
modifying its life cycle to suit local conditions. It is one of the greatest
threats to agriculture and the environment worldwide due to its
reproductive capacity, destructiveness to plants, threat to human
health, and large size. Achatina fulica prefers environments that are
rich in calcium carbonate, such as limestone, marl, and developed
areas with an abundance of cement or concrete.
Snails reach sexual maturity in less than one year. The average life
span is 3-5 years, but individuals may reach the age of 9 years. Adults
have both male and female sexual organs, but reciprocal copulation is
required to produce viable eggs. The male organs mature at the age of
5-12 months; the female organs mature later (Robinson 2002; South
Pacific Commission 1993).
This snail stores sperm, and is able to lay fertilized eggs repeatedly
after just a single mating (Robinson 2002). Mating lasts from 3 to 6
hours, but may last as long as 24 hours. Individuals may lay viable
eggs for up to 382 days after mating.
Snails begin laying eggs at 5 to 6 months. Individuals produce from 10
to more than 400 eggs, 8 to 20 days after mating. Under optimum
conditions, 300 to 1000 eggs in 3 to 4 batches may be laid each year.
Snails deposit eggs in cool, moist soil and under objects on the
ground. In the tropics, eggs hatch after 11 days. The juveniles eat their
egg shells before seeking other food including unhatched eggs and
organic detritus. They burrow and remain underground for 5-15 days.
Upon emergence, juveniles remain fairly close to the nest for a few
weeks. They establish a home range within two months, feeding
primarily on plants and returning home before dawn. Larger snails
continue to feed on plant material, but may become detritus feeders as
they age.
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Biology
This species is nocturnal, but may become active at twilight if the day
is overcast and the soil is moist and warm. The snail is extremely
sensitive to high rates of evaporation. Under moisture stress, it
becomes inactive and begins aestivating within 24 hours. However,
aestivation can occur independent of moisture. Scientists believe that
aestivation may be cyclic. Snails may aestivate as they cling to objects,
aiding in their inadvertent spread to new areas on cargo, vehicles or
machinery.
During unfavorable periods, the snail buries itself 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6
inches) deep in soft soil and may become inactive for up to a year,
losing 60% of its weight. Physiological changes in blood and certain
organs occur before and during the period of inactivity. This species
can reproduce in areas that are too dry for other large snails
(Hardouin et al. 1995) (Snail Draft Generic Action Plan, 1986; modified
by IICA, 2002; Srivastava, 1985).
Achatina achatina (Linné 1758)
Achatina achatina matures within 24 months. At maturity, it averages
13.4 times its size at hatching. The average life span is 5 to 6 years. It
is hermaphroditic, but cross-fertilization occurs. Mating occurs at
night and can last for up to 12 hours.
Achatina achatina breeds during the rainy season of the year in
tropical climates. At that time, decaying vegetable matter is abundant
and high humid conditions as well as high temperatures persist for
long periods in the tropical forests. In vitro clutch size varies from 35
to 305 eggs; the average is 167.7 eggs per clutch.
Eggs are small (about 5 mm), spherical and whitish. Like A. fulica, A.
achatina lays hundreds of eggs below the surface of the substrate.
Cold weather will inhibit egg laying in the first year; snails lay few eggs
in their last year.
Before laying, the snail makes a burrow or egg chamber. Eggs are laid
in the burrow and covered with loose soil. If loose soil is unavailable,
the snail lays the eggs on the soil surface.
Hatchlings of A. achatina and A. fulica are identical, resembling many
other species for the first few weeks. Distinctive markings begin to
appear after a few months. At hatching, the average length of the shell
of A. achatina is 6.9mm; average body weight is 0.10 grams. Hatchling
snails tend to aggregate in groups for the first few days and eat only
soft food and their eggshells. While young, they bury themselves deep
in the soil by day with their shells often totally covered. They grow
rapidly but variably for the first six months, and aestivate if dry
weather occurs during that time. They resume rapid growth after
favorable, humid conditions return. Unlike A. fulica, adults of A.
achatina remain on the soil surface during the day and retract their
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Pest Information
Biology
fleshy parts into their shells. Achatina achatina is nocturnal, emerging
from hiding places early in the evening. They alternate time spent
feeding, resting and exploring, spending most of their time at the latter
two.
In Ghana, Duah and Monney (1999) collected 48,467 A. achatina in 1
¼ acres over a 10-day period during the rainy season. Analysis of the
gut and feces of specimens confirmed that this species is nonselective.
The food found in abundance in its feces included dropped leaves,
dropped fruits, decomposed leaf litter, okra, yam leaves and the ripe
fruits of Ficus anomani (Okafor 1989, Hodasi 1975,1979).
Archachatina marginata (Swainson 1821)
This species was introduced into Martinique in the 1980s, but it did
not become established. Archachatina marginata matures and stops
growing within one year. Its average life span is 3 to 5 years; some
individuals may live as long as 10 years. It is hermaphroditic but has
been observed in coitus.
This species forms smooth walled, oval egg chambers in soil 4-6
inches below the surface. It lays from 1-40 eggs per clutch, averaging
8.6 eggs per clutch. Eggs are laid on the surface if soil is compacted.
The large eggs are lemon-yellow or speckled with dark blotches but
whiten with age. This species has been reported to lay its eggs in trees
(Lange 1950).
Most eggs will hatch over a period of 24-36 hours after an incubation
period of 35 to 41 days in very damp soil maintained at 23°. Because
the eggs and hatchlings are so much bigger than those of Achatina
spp., they are easy to distinguish. The juveniles remain underground
for 7-14 days (Palcy & Mead 1993; Goodman 1998; Ashby 2004).
Limicolaria aurora (Jay 1839)
This species was probably introduced to Martinique by African
immigrants some time before 1989. They reached considerable
numbers in 1989 at the start of the rainy season and attacked yam,
bean, pepper, cucumbers, okra, sweet potato, and Jerusalem
artichoke. This species damaged palm fruits and leguminous cover
crops in Cameroon, Africa. Such behavior suggests that L. aurora may
prove to be a greater pest than A. fulica or A. marginata (Mead & Palcy
1992; Spence 1938).
This species is able to reproduce in areas that are too dry for A.
achatina or A. marginata (Hardouin et al. 1995). Some Limicolaria spp.
survive in cold, mountainous climates and may be regarded as
temperate. Other Limicolaria spp. thrive in modified forests, at forest
edges and in plantations. In open habitats, Limicolaria spp. spend long
periods of time deep in the soil, favor cultivated land and are found on
the outskirts of settlements and farms (Raut & Barker 2002).
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Pest Information
Behavior of Achatinids
Behavior of Achatinids
Achatinids are active in the early morning, late afternoon and on
cloudy, damp, or rainy days. They prefer damp, shady places and
avoid direct sunlight. They are commonly found in and around human
dwellings, in open woodlands, parks, gardens, cemeteries, hedgerows,
borders of marshes and similar habitats. They climb trees and walls.
They will often move to protected sites prior to the outbreak of a storm
(Raut & Ghose 1984).
Achatinids are nocturnal. During the day, they retreat into their
shells. Common daytime retreats include:
◆ Loose soil
◆ Under bricks, rocks, fallen logs, plant mats, decaying leaves
◆ In or on plants, trees and heavy vegetation, or
◆ Under air conditioners, houses or discarded containers
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Behavior of Achatinids
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Snail Pests in the Family Achatinidae
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3
Identification
1
Snail Pests in the
Family Achatinidae
Introduction
Accurate identification of these pests is pivotal to assessing their
potential risk, developing a survey strategy, and determining the level
and manner of control. The protection of non-target snails is equally
important. Some native snails are beneficial, or may be protected by
local, state or federal laws.
Snails are carriers of pathogens that may infect humans. See
“Introduction” on page 1-1 if you plan to handle snails.
Verification
Qualified local personnel may perform pre-identification and
screening of suspected snails. Before survey and control activities are
initiated in the U.S., a USDA/APHIS/PPQ/National Identification
Service-recognized authority must verify the presence of Achatinids.
To verify identification of snail specimens, contact NIS personnel
specializing in malacology at the following address:
Dr. David Robinson
USDA National Malacology Specialist
Academy of Natural Sciences
1900 Ben Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Phone: 215-299-1175
Email: [email protected]
Fax: 215-567-7229
Identification
Use this section as a guide to identification of these pests.
Identification of Quarantine-significant Snails
Snail Anatomy
The body of a snail has two pairs of tentacles: a short, lower pair that
are sensitive to touch and chemical signals; and one long, upper pair
with eye spots at the tips (Schotman 1989 and USDA 1960). The body
is moist, slimy and rubbery. Body coloration varies with species. The
foot sole is flat, with coarse tubercles most evident on the sides and
upper surface of the extended body.
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Identification
Identification
Shell characters that are important for identification include the
columella, whorls, sutures, transverse striae, parietal wall, apex, and
lip (Figure 3-1 and Figure 3-2 below).
FIGURE 3-1 Anatomy of an achatinid snail; image courtesy of Joel Floyd, USDA/
APHIS/PPQ/PDMP/Planning and Preparedness
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Identification
FIGURE 3-2 Comparison of shell size, shape and markings of (from left to right)
Achatina fulica, Achatina achatina, Archachatina marginata and
Limicolaria aurora
Achatina fulica
Bowdich 1822
Eggs—Use the following criteria to identify eggs of Achatina fulica:
◆ Color is yellowish-white to yellow (Figure 3-3 and Figure 3-4
below)
◆ Shape is oval
◆ Size is approximately ¼ inch long X 0.16 inch wide (Goel and
Srivastava 1985)
FIGURE 3-3 Eggs of Achatina fulica
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Identification
Identification
FIGURE 3-4 Egg shell and juvenile of Achatina fulica
Juveniles—Use the following criteria to identify juveniles of Achatina
fulica:
◆ Columella is truncated (Figure 3-5 and Figure 3-6 below)
Juveniles are similar to adults, but have a thinner, translucent shell
which is more brittle. Upon emergence, the juvenile shell is
approximately 1/6 inch long (Denmark and Poucher 1969).
FIGURE 3-5 Shells of immature (left) and adult (right) stages of Achatina fulica;
reproduced by permission from M. Overton, "The Tarantula’s
Burrow," http://arachnophiliac.co.uk/burrow/home.htm (accessed
March 8, 2005) © All rights reserved
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Identification
Identification
FIGURE 3-6 Shell of immature Achatina fulica
Adults—Use the following criteria to identify adults of Achatina fulica:
◆ Columella is truncated (Figure 3-1 above; Figure 3-7 and
Figure 3-8 below)
◆ Columella and the parietal callus are white or bluish-white with
no trace of pink (Bequaert 1950)
◆ Shell size may be up to 8 inches in length and almost 5 inches in
maximum diameter (Bequaert 1950)
◆ Shell has seven to nine whorls and rarely as many as ten whorls
(Bequaert 1950)
◆ Shell color is reddish-brown with light yellowish, vertical (axial)
streaks; or, light coffee colored
◆ Protoconch is not bulbous
◆ Body coloration can be either mottled brown or more rarely a
pale cream color
The truncated columella is evident throughout the lifespan of the
snail. The columella is generally concave. Snails with a lesser
concaved columella tend to be somewhat twisted. Snails with a
broader shell tend to have a more concave columella (Bequaert 1950).
In calcium-rich areas the shells of the adults tend to be thicker and
opaque.
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Identification
Identification
The outline of the shell may vary somewhat, even within the same
colony, from slender to moderately obese. Shells of broader specimens
with the same number of whorls tend to be shorter in length. The shell
is generally conically spired and distinctly narrowed but barely drawn
out at the apex (Bequaert 1950). The whorls are rounded with
moderately impressed sutures between the whorls. The aperture is
relatively short (Bequaert 1950) and has an ovate-lunate shape (Burch
1960). The lip is sharp, convex, thin and evenly curved (Bequaert
1950) into a regular semi-ellipse. The shell surface is relatively
smooth, with faint axial growth lines.
Though shell coloration may be variable due to environmental
conditions and diet (Schotman 1989 and USDA 1960), generally it is
reddish-brown with light yellowish, vertical (axial) streaks (Schotman
1989 and USDA 1960). The two shell colors are not distinct from each
other and are somewhat streaked or smudged in appearance. Another
shell color variation resembles a light coffee color. The colors fade with
age in the earliest whorls appearing lighter or less intense (Schotman
1989 and USDA 1960), becoming darker and more vibrant nearest the
body whorl. Body coloration can be either mottled brown or, rarely, a
pale cream color. The foot sole is flat.
FIGURE 3-7 Adults of Achatina fulica
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Identification
Identification
FIGURE 3-8 Shell of adult Achatina fulica
Achatina
achatina (Linné
1758)
Eggs—No criteria are available (Figure 3-9 below).
FIGURE 3-9 Eggs of Achatina achatina; reproduced by permission from S. Peterson,
"Welcome to BugWeb," http://www.bugweb.dk/index.html
(accessed March 8, 2005) © All rights reserved
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Identification
Identification
Juveniles—No criteria are available (Figure 3-10 below.
FIGURE 3-10 Juveniles of Achatina achatina; reproduced by permission from S.
Peterson, "Welcome to BugWeb," http://www.bugweb.dk/
index.html (accessed March 8, 2005) © All rights reserved
Adults—Use the following criteria to identify adults of Achatina
achatina:
◆ Columella is truncated as in Achatina fulica (Figure 3-11 below)
◆ Columella and parietal wall always a vinaceous red color
(Bequaert 1950)
◆ Shell with spiral sculpture, particularly close to the suture,
crossing the axial growth lines, resulting in a somewhat
reticulated surface
◆ No more than seven to eight whorls (Bequaert 1950)
◆ Protoconch is not bulbous
FIGURE 3-11 Adult shell of Achatina achatina
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Identification
Identification
Archachatina
marginata
(Swainson
1821)
Eggs—No criteria are available (Figure 3-12 below).
FIGURE 3-12 Eggs of Achatina fulica (right) and Archachatina marginata (left);
reproduced by permission from Annette Goodman, "The Giant
African Land Snail Site," http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/
Valley/6210/ (accessed March 8, 2005) © All rights reserved
Juveniles—No criteria are available.
Adults—Use the following criteria to identify adults of Archachatina
marginata:
◆ Columella is truncated (Figure 3-13 and Figure 3-14 below)
◆ Parietal wall and outer lip are white or bluish (Bequaert 1950),
although some subspecies may have an apricot-yellow or wine
red columella and parietal wall
◆ Shell size is very large, reaching a maximum length 8 ¼ inches
and a maximum diameter of 5 inches
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Identification
◆ Protoconch is very large and bulbous
FIGURE 3-13 Adult shell of Archachatina marginata
FIGURE 3-14 Adult and eggs of Archachatina marginata; photograph courtesy of
Brian Sullivan, USDA/APHIS/PPQ
Limicolaria
aurora (Jay
1839)
Eggs—No criteria are available (Figure 3-15 below).
FIGURE 3-15 Eggs of Limicolaria aurora
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Identification
Identification
Juveniles—Use the following criteria to identify juveniles of Limicolaria
aurora:
◆ Shell size is approximately the same as Achatina fulica
Adults—Use the following criteria to identify adults of Limicolaria
aurora:
◆ Columella is complete, connecting with the lip (Figure 3-1 above
and Figure 3-16 below)
◆ Shell color is cream with reddish-brown patterns that resemble
flames
◆ Shell with growth striae which give it a slightly wrinkled
appearance (Crowley & Pain 1970)
◆ Shell size is smaller than Achatina fulica, reaching a maximum of
2 1/3 inches in height and 1 inch in diameter
◆ Shell has a maximum of 9 to 9½ convex whorls
◆ Shell shape is oblong-ovate
FIGURE 3-16 Adult of Limicolaria aurora (streaked color form)
Identification of Quarantine-insignificant Snails
Euglandina rosea (Spiraxidae) and Orthalicus spp. (Orthalicidae) have
been mistaken for Achatina fulica. These native species do not require
quarantine action. Find E. rosea in the southeastern U. S., from North
Carolina to Florida, and west to Texas. Scientists introduced this
carnivorous species to the Hawaiian Islands and elsewhere in the
Pacific as part of an ill-conceived biological control program aimed at
A. fulica. The introduction had little to no effect on the target snail,
while decimating populations of native wild snails (Robinson 2003).
Euglandina
rosea (Férussac
1821)
Use the following characters to identify adults of Euglandina rosea:
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◆ Columella is truncated
◆ Shell shape is oblong, tapered, nearly bullet-shaped and variable
(Figure 3-17 below)
Snail Pests in the Family Achatinidae
3-11
Identification
Identification
◆ Shell colors range from rosy pink to light peach with white to
beige growth lines
◆ Shell size up to 3 inches in height and 1.1 inches in maximum
diameter (Robinson 2003)
◆ Shell with 6-9 convex whorls
◆ Shell with minimally depressed sutures (Pilsbry 1946; Robinson
2003)
◆ Aperture nearly twice as long as wide with a pink interior,
extending to nearly ½ or more of the shell’s length having a
truncated, concave columella
The apex is blunt. The bullata form, with a more inflated aperture and
shorter spire, is common in southern states including Louisiana,
Mississippi, and North Carolina (Robinson 2003). The shells of the
juveniles appear smooth and shiny becoming slightly rougher or more
roughly striated in appearance toward maturity.
FIGURE 3-17 Typical form (left) and bullata form (right) of Euglandina rosea
Orthalicus spp.
Some Orthalicus spp. are endangered or threatened (Robinson 2003).
Native species do not require quarantine action. In North America,
Orthalicus spp. are found only in the warmer areas of south Florida.
Orthalicus spp. have been confused with immature Achatina fulica due
to their similar color patterns and shape. However, Orthalicus spp.
lack a truncated columella (Figure 3-18 below). The columella
connects smoothly with the lip. They tend not to be as large as A.
fulica of the same age, with some species reaching only 2¾ inches in
height and 1½ inches maximum width (Robinson 2002). Adult
Orthalicus spp. may be brightly colored with spiral stripes and axial
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Identification
Collection, Preparation and Submission of Specimens
bands. The lip will be black or dark brown (Pilsbry 1899). The aperture
has blackish bands and streaks on a lighter background (Pilsbry
1899).
FIGURE 3-18 Shells of Orthalicus spp.
Collection, Preparation and Submission of Specimens
When collecting, preserving or submitting snails, follow the
procedures outlined below and in the PPQ/Airport and Maritime
Operations Manual.
Important
Safeguard and contain all suspect snails, eggs, and infested soil to eliminate
the pest risk. Your goal is to contain the snail to minimize spread, sale or
removal. Juvenile snails may be as small as their egg shells and may escape
through holes of the same size.
Labeling
Gather as much information as possible during the initial detection.
This may be the only time when a potential violator cooperates
sufficiently to substantiate claims. Label samples with the following
information:
◆ Specific location
◆ Global positioning system coordinates, if available
◆ Plant host or substrate
◆ Type of property
◆ Date of sampling
◆ Survey method used to obtain the sample
◆ Name of the sampler
◆ Temperature and habitat
◆ Sample number if applicable
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Identification
Collection, Preparation and Submission of Specimens
Local quarantine procedures
Follow local quarantine procedures, which may include:
◆ Issuing an Emergency Action Notification Form (PPQ Form 523)
◆ Issuing a “stop order” normally issued by the state agriculture
department
◆ Sealing the container to prevent removal or escape and/or
◆ Relocating or safeguarding the container used to house the
snails, until identification is verified
Be sure to use approved PPQ guidelines when attempting to safeguard
suspected pests. If you are in doubt consult with your supervisor.
Submitting Specimens for Identification
Follow the procedures outlined in the PPQ/Airport and Maritime
Operations Manual. Include a completed PPQ Form 391 (Specimens
for Determination) marked “Urgent”.
A national authority recognized by PPQ/National Identification Service
must verify the identity of achatinids. To verify identification of snail
specimens, contact NIS personnel specializing in malacology at the
following address:
Dr. David Robinson
USDA National Malacology Specialist
Academy of Natural Sciences
1900 Ben Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Phone: 215-299-1175
Fax: 215-567-7229
Email: [email protected]
Identification by Digital Imaging
Digital imaging allows for quick identification of pests. Take three or
more digital images from various angles, similar to Figures 3-1
through 3-5. Images should clearly reflect the color patterns, size, and
shape of shells of various life stages. Include a clear view of the
columella. Include images of living and dead snails.
Send digital images to the USDA National Malacology Specialist at the
email address above. Include a completed PPQ Form 391 (Specimens
for Determination) marked “Urgent”, along with the following
information:
◆ Collection number
◆ Type of blitz or program name
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Identification
Collection, Preparation and Submission of Specimens
◆ Property or type of conveyance (i.e., warehouse, market, nursery,
rail, barge, weigh station checkpoint, farm, private residence,
school)
◆ Complete address of location of snail
◆ Your current telephone number
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Collection, Preparation and Submission of Specimens
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4
Survey Procedures
1
Snail Pests in the
Family Achatinidae
Introduction
Use a survey to determine the extent and means of pest spread, or to
identify pest-free areas. Before initiating survey and control activities
in the U.S., a national authority recognized by USDA/APHIS/PPQ/
National Identification Service must verify the identity of achatinids.
To verify identification of snail specimens, contact NIS personnel (see
“Verification” on page 3-1).
Use three types of survey to determine the presence and distribution
of achatinids: detection, delimiting, and monitoring surveys.
Detection Survey
Use a detection survey to detect the presence of achatinids. Visual
inspection is the most effective method of survey for achatinids.
Survey activity should focus on sites that pose the highest risk.
Identify high-risk sites
Use the information gathered in traceback and traceforward
investigations to identify the potential pathways of snail introduction.
Once high-risk sites are identified, determine the survey sites.
Estimate size of survey
At high-risk sites, estimate the size of the field survey. Consider
natural dispersal and human-aided dispersal. Interview landowners,
local residents and workers, and examine import records and bills of
lading to help determine a specific point of release or introduction.
Estimate the furthest natural dispersal of the pest from the point of
introduction.
Delimiting Survey
Once a positive detection of an achatinid is confirmed, use a delimiting
survey to gather sufficient information about the pest population to
assist in planning a strategy for containment, suppression or
eradication. As with the detection survey, site selection and survey
methods for delimitation survey will need to consider environmental
factors and local conditions.
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Survey Procedures
Delimiting Survey
Use the delimiting survey decision table (Table 4-1 below) and the
survey scheme (Figure 4-1 below) as a guide when conducting a
delimiting survey.
TABLE 4-1 Delimiting survey decision table for achatinids
If snails are found in this
environment:
Urban
Rural
Then conduct a survey in
this zone:
And examine the following
properties:
Core zone
All properties
Protection zone
50% of all properties
Public outreach zone
None
Core zone
All acreage
Protection zone
50% of all acreage
Public outreach zone
None
To allocate survey resources, establish the following zones of activity:
core, protection, and public outreach.
Core zone
The core is at the center of a confirmed infestation. Many positive
detections will make the core zone larger. If a detection is significantly
distant, the establishment of a second core zone may be warranted.
Within the core zone, follow these procedures:
◆ Determine the radius of the core by estimating the rate of natural
dispersal
◆ Conduct a field survey of all properties
◆ Contact 100% of residents, businesses, and landowners
◆ Initiate educational activities as described in “Public Education”
on page 6-1
FIGURE 4-1 Survey scheme for achatinids
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Survey Procedures
Monitoring Survey
Protection zone
The protection zone is outside of the core zone, but within the
potential natural dispersal range of the snail. Within the protection
zone, follow these procedures:
◆ Survey 50% of the most high-risk sites
◆ Focus surveys on waterways, riparian zones, and other areas
that might serve as “corridors” for dispersal outside of the
estimated core zone
◆ Contact 100% of residents, businesses and landowners
Public outreach zone
The public outreach zone is outside of the natural dispersal range of
the snail. Within the public outreach zone, follow these procedures:
◆ Contact 100% of residents and landowners
◆ Provide informational brochures, photographs, contact numbers
to every resident, business
Monitoring Survey
The purpose of a monitoring survey is to evaluate the effectiveness of
an action taken to contain, suppress or eradicate the pest. Use the
delimiting rate for trap placement and visual surveying.
Backtracking
Use backtracking to locate the source of an introduction after
achatinids have been detected. By identifying the source, other
potential infestations may be identified through traceforward
investigations. Backtracking investigations may also provide clues to
the estimated time and exact location of a specific introduction.
For interception on imported commodities, obtain all related
documentation on shipping, origin, consignee, destination, and
frequency of shipments. For interceptions within the U.S., interview
those involved to determine the source of the snails. If the source is
unknown, continue questioning local residents, schools, businesses.
Follow-up by investigating local pet stores, science suppliers, pet
hobby groups, pet swap meets, and internet traders. Investigate leads
that may indicate further distribution.
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Survey Procedures
Population Dynamics
Population Dynamics
Estimate Population Density
Follow these steps to estimate the population density of an infestation:
Step 1 Determine the number of snails at the site
Step 2 Determine the total area of the site or property
Step 3 Divide the number of snails by the total area of the site
Determine Rate of Dispersal
Under ideal conditions—high humidity, high precipitation, abundant
hosts, and high population density—juvenile A. fulica may naturally
disperse at an estimated rate of 125 meters per month (Tomiyama and
Nakane 1993). Use this rate, and information gathered during
investigations, to define a core zone:
Step 1 Determine the point of introduction.
Step 2 Estimate the number of months since the introduction.
Step 3 Multiply the number of months by 125 meters. The answer
equals the radius of the core zone.
EXAMPLE:
A survey report was completed on October 15th. The snail was reportedly
released around April 1. Six and one-half months X 125 meters equals 812.5
meters or one-half mile. The radius of the core zone is one-half mile.
Consider factors such as temperature, precipitation, available hosts,
and physical substrate (see “Behavior of Achatinids” on page 2-9 and
Visual Inspection below). Exclude periods of dry weather. Include
those months that experienced humid and wet conditions. Waterways
located in the survey area should extend the survey range, since
vegetated riparian zones could support snail populations, and eggs are
easily transported on waterways.
Visual Inspection
Visual inspection is the best method to use when looking for snails.
Consider the following when conducting a visual inspection:
Intensity
Maintain standardization by conducting a time-controlled survey. For
each site, track the number of surveyors and time as “survey hours”. A
minimum “survey-hour” standard should be required for each
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Survey Procedures
Visual Inspection
property to be surveyed. The size of the properties and acreages will
influence the minimum standard. In addition, the schedule and time
allocated for survey will vary based on local conditions and resources.
Seasonality
Conduct detection surveys on an ongoing basis, with repeated visits at
the beginning, during, and/or just after the rainy season. Keep in
mind that Achatina fulica remains active at a range of 9o – 29o C (48o 84 oF). Achatina fulica begins hibernating at 2o C (35oF), and begins
aestivation at 30o C (86 oF).
Time of Sampling
Plan surveys for early morning and overcast days. Achatinids are
active on warm nights, early mornings, and overcast and rainy days.
To maintain a consistent sampling time, conduct surveys in the early
morning. On overcast days, conduct additional surveys throughout
the day.
Micro habitats
During the day, find snails in the following moist micro habitats:
◆ Near heavily vegetated areas
◆ Under or near rocks and boulders
◆ Under discarded wooden boards and planks, fallen trees, logs,
and branches
◆ In damp leaf litter, compost piles, and rubbish heaps
◆ Under flower pots and planters
◆ On rock walls, cement pilings, broken concrete, or grave markers
◆ In gardens and fields where plants have been damaged by
feeding snails and slugs
◆ At the base of the plants, under leaves, or in the “heart” of
compact plants, such as lettuce or cabbage.
Search for Evidence
While conducting a survey, look for clues that suggest the presence of
snails:
◆ Chewing damage to plants (Figure 4-2, Figure 4-3 and
Figure 4-4 below)
◆ Eggs, juveniles and adults (see “Identification” on page 3-1)
◆ Empty snail shells
◆ Mucus and slime trails
◆ Large, ribbon-like feces
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Survey Procedures
Visual Inspection
◆ An increase in rat population densities in an area
FIGURE 4-2 Damage to leaves of Dieffenbachia spp. caused by Achatina fulica;
photograph courtesy of Department of Plant Industry, Florida
FIGURE 4-3 Damage to leaves of Heliconia spp. caused by Achatina fulica;
photograph courtesy of Department of Plant Industry, Florida
FIGURE 4-4 Damage to leaves of Sanchezia nobilis caused by Achatina fulica;
photograph courtesy of Department of Plant Industry, Florida
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Survey Procedures
Trapping
Trapping
Use traps to supplement a visual inspection, if time and resources
allow. Use commercial brands of slug bait to attract snails; however,
due to the slow-acting effects of the molluscicide, these baits alone are
not effective in trapping snails. Beer-baited pitfall traps are less
effective.
Create snail refuges to attract snails where natural cover is scarce.
Install the refuges the day before a survey is scheduled, then check
them daily for snails. Snail refuges can be constructed from plywood
boards, raised 2” above the ground. Or, strategically place sources of
calcium carbonate (such as limestone or concrete), or piles of compost
or plant debris.
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Survey Procedures
Trapping
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5
Regulatory Procedures
1
Snail Pests in the
Family Achatinidae
Instructions to Officers
Regulatory actions are required until these pests are eradicated.
Officers must follow instructions for regulatory treatments or other
procedures when authorizing the movement of regulated articles.
Understanding the instructions and procedures is essential when
explaining procedures to persons interested in moving articles affected
by the quarantine and regulations. Only authorized treatments may be
used in accordance with labeling restrictions.
Find instructions for regulatory treatments in the PPQ Treatment
Manual.
Issuing an Emergency Action Notification
An Emergency Action Notification may be issued pending positive
identification and/or further instruction from the USDA, APHIS, PPQ
Deputy Administrator.
If necessary, the deputy administrator will issue a letter directing PPQ
field offices to initiate a specific emergency action under the Plant
Protection Act until emergency regulations can be published in the
Federal Register.
The Plant Protection Act of 2000 provides for authority for emergency
quarantine action. This provision is for interstate regulatory action
only. Intrastate regulatory action is provided under state authority.
However, if the secretary of agriculture determines that an
extraordinary emergency exists and that the measures taken by the
state are inadequate, USDA can take intrastate regulatory action
provided that the governor of the state has been consulted and a
notice has been published in the Federal Register. If intrastate action
cannot or will not be taken by a state, PPQ may find it necessary to
quarantine an entire state.
Outside a declared extraordinary emergency situation, PPQ employees
must have the permission of the owner before accessing their private
property for the purposes of conducting surveys or taking action. PPQ
works in conjunction with employees of state departments of
agriculture to conduct surveys, regulatate inspections, and take
control actions. Each state government has varying authorities
regarding accessing private property, and PPQ can work with them to
facilitate access when it is denied. A General Memorandum of
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Regulatory Procedures
Regulated Articles
Understanding (MOU) exists between PPQ and each state that
includes this agreement. For clarification, check with your state plant
health director (SPHD) in the affected state.
Regulated Articles
The following regulated articles may present a risk of dissemination of
snails or snail eggs:
Plant Material
◆ Food plants (see “Food Plants” on page C-1) in the regulated area
◆ Crops harvested from quarantine areas
◆ Crops harvested from high-risk crops
◆ Potted plants rooted in soil or media (Plants may be removed and
washed with pressure sprays to facilitate visual inspections.
Plants that pass inspection can be repotted in sterile media,
certified, and sold or shipped.)
◆ Compost
◆ Forest products (leaves, needles, wood, mushrooms)
◆ Vegetation used as packing material
◆ Nursery stock
◆ Sod
Soil and Building Materials
◆ Bricks, blocks and tiles
◆ Compost
◆ Concrete
◆ Soil from the infested area
◆ Sand
◆ Sod
◆ Stone, gravel, and rocks
Miscellaneous Items
Regulated articles may include any product, article, or means of
conveyance, of any character whatsoever, when it is determined by an
inspector that they present a hazard of spread of snails and the person
in possession thereof has been notified. Miscellaneous items may
include the following:
◆ Discarded household or yard items
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Regulatory Procedures
Quarantine Actions
◆ Containers
◆ Manure
◆ Used equipment
Quarantine Actions
Use the decision table (Table 5-1 below) to determine the need for
quarantine action.
TABLE 5-1 Decision table for quarantine action
IF:
THEN:
Inactive stages (eggs) of
achatinids are collected in an
area
Take no action
One or more active stages of
achatinids are collected in an
area
Establish a quarantine area.
Issue an Emergency Action
Notification (PPQ Form 523)
requiring treatment or other
approved handling
procedures to all growers,
handlers, movers, or
processors of regulated
articles, including soil and
sod removal/supply firms
and firms or agencies which
handle vehicles, within a
minimum distance of 1 mile
AND:
Once an area of infestation
is delimited, all
establishments within a half
mile buffer around the area
will be considered regulated
Regulated Establishments
Field personnel will attempt to detect these pests within the regulated
area at all establishments where regulated articles are sold, grown,
handled, moved, or processed. Establishments may include the
following:
◆ Airports
◆ Landfill sites
◆ Processing plants
◆ Vehicle depots
◆ Sod and soil firms
◆ Farmers' produce and flea markets
◆ Nurseries
◆ Flower shops
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Regulatory Procedures
Property Survey
◆ Any other establishments that handle regulated articles
Surveys may be set up at establishments deemed to be at risk by
project personnel. Set and service two traps, baited with a
molluscicide, or equivalent per establishment (see “Trapping” on
page 4-7). Service traps daily if catches of snails are great, or every
week if trap catches are few.
Property Survey
Set traps on properties in the regulated area on which finds have been
made when snails are active. This includes periods of rainfall, after
rains, or on properties where watering or irrigation will keep the snails
active.
Use of Pesticides
The PPQ Treatment Manual and this document identify authorized
pesticides, and describe methods, rates of application, and special
application instructions (see “Control Procedures” on page 7-1).
Concurrence by PPQ is necessary before using any other pesticide or
procedure for regulatory purposes.
Approved Treatments for Regulatory Articles
Approved regulatory treatments for these pests are determined by
program management and/or a Technical Advisory Committee in
conjunction with the Center for Plant Health, Science, and Technology
(CPHST). Find directions for utilizing the treatments in the PPQ
Treatment Manual. Apply the following approved treatments before
removing regulated articles from a quarantine area:
Cold Treatment
Application of cold temperatures lethal to a target snail (below the
biological threshold or for a time period beyond the snail’s ability to
endure). May be used alone or in combination with fumigation.
Fumigation/Cold Treatment
Application of an approved fumigant in conjunction with cold
treatment procedures.
Fumigation/Vacuum
Application of an approved fumigant in conjunction with vacuum
procedures.
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Regulatory Procedures
Principal Activities
Sanitation
Removal and destruction of leaves, flowers, stems, stalks, rotting or
fallen fruit, vegetables, and other food plant material.
Soil Treatment
An approved molluscicide applied to the soil within the drip line of
food plants. Hold plants for one week after treatment before certifying
for movement after reinspection.
Principal Activities
The degree of regulatory activity required depends, among many other
factors, on the degree of the infestation. For example, it may not be
necessary to safeguard vegetable stands throughout the regulated
area if they are engaged in local retail activity only and the infestation
is limited. However, if the infestation is great, mandatory checks of
passenger baggage (i.e., for host material) at airports and road patrols
and roadblocks may be necessary.
Regulatory Inspection for Snails
Make a thorough inspection of all material and personal household
effects prior to movement from a known snail area to any designation.
Because of the tendency of snails to hide, inspect the interior as well
as the exterior of containers, when likely entry holes are noted. The
smaller snails resemble ordinary pebbles, in color markings as well as
size; therefore, a significant infestation could be overlooked on a
superficial inspection of contaminated articles. The presence of snails
may be indicated by a faint slime trail.
Boxes, particularly when they have been in contact with soil, offer a
number of havens for snails—bottom runners (some of which are
hollow), life hook slots, and holes in weathered boxes. Closely examine
all sides of each likely item, noting any cracks, crevices, or other areas
not readily observable. Fork lifts will frequently be required in order to
inspect bottoms of boxes, crates, and the heavier articles.
Steel cylinders present good hiding places—under the screw cap and
adhering to the pallets of which the cylinders are often fastened. Pipes
of all types are especially attractive to snails since caps or plugs are
seldom feasible.
In the case of half-tracks, cranes, and other heave equipment, steam
or water-jet cleaning is recommended in lieu of or in addition to
examination. In the examination of ships before loading, attention
should be given to the bottom of holds and ledgers around the sides.
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Regulatory Procedures
Principal Activities
Hold bulkheads near the engine room, being warmer, are favored snail
sites. Snail-free cargo should never be loaded until holds have been
thoroughly inspected and found or made snail-free.
Additional Factors Involving Movement
Equipment (fork-lifts, tractor-trailers, trucks, and rail cars) and
materials (pallets, dunnage, and tarpaulins) utilized in the storage and
transportation of noninfested supplies must be snail-free. When not in
use, equipment and materials should be returned to snail-free areas.
Equipment and materials that are utilized to handle or transport
snail-infested supplies should not be utilized to transport snail-free
cargo unless it has been fumigated.
To prevent the contamination of military or commercial cargo carried
during the movement of supplies from one location to another, limit
shipments to snail-free cargo.
Household
movement
Establish adequate procedures to prevent snail “stowaways” in
personal household effects of military and civilian personnel. Packing
should be accomplished indoors or in a place equally secure from
snails. Lawn furniture, garden hoses and tools, sporting goods (boats,
motors, etc.), bicycles, motor scooters, and utility trailers that are
allowed to remain outdoors must be fumigated before packing for
shipment from snail infested areas.
Household furniture and packing materials should never be placed on
the ground or lawns while being prepared or packed for shipment.
Yard and
landscape
maintenance
Such companies may need to be under compliance agreement if their
activities present a risk of dissemination of snails or snail eggs in the
course of their normal work. After training of workers, compliance
agreements can be implemented detailing the conditions and
precautions companies and their employees must adhere to
safeguarding the movement of potentially infected plant materials,
machinery, vehicles, or tools.
Storage of Supplies and Equipment
Snail-free
storage areas
Only snail-free supplies, equipment, or vehicles should be stored in
warehouses or permitted access to snail-free storage areas. Infested,
uninspected, or untreated items should never be mixed with snail-free
cargo in storage or in transit.
Snail-free storage areas should be established at those installations
where large quantities of items are stored in open areas. The snail-free
area will serve two purposes:
◆ Incoming snail-free items can be stored to prevent infestation,
and
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Principal Activities
◆ Uninspected or untreated items that are scheduled to be moved
can be decontaminated several weeks before the scheduled
shipping date and placed in the snail-free area
Protect snail-free areas by laying down a 1” wide strip of common table
salt (sodium chloride) or lime (finely ground, such as quicklime) as a
barrier around the snail-free area. This must, however, be renewed
when disrupted or when rain washes it away, if outside.
Control vegetation in open fields bordering storage areas, taking
particular care along fence rows or other such areas where snails may
congregate. Fields may be plowed twice a year, especially in late
autumn. If the topsoil is thin or erosion is a problem, use a soil disc or
cultipacker instead.
Transporters and heavy equipment including buses, trains, trucks,
bulldozers, etc., when not in use must be stored in snail-free areas to
prevent infestation. Containers have been a major source of snail
interceptions at the ports of entry in the past. They must not be stored
or allowed to remain on the open ground. Cargoes or household effects
infested with snails should never be packed in containers for
shipment.
Interior storage
Supplies, equipment, and vehicles coming in from outside the
regulated area should be stored in warehouses. Land snails do not
normally enter buildings to estivate, therefore, enclosed structures
provide the greatest protection against infestation.
Exterior storage
If warehouses are not available, utilize paved open storage. However,
such areas must be protected by a sound, aggressive, and continuous
snail control program. Areas covered with asphalt or concrete provide
the most suitable and lasting types of ground cover for storage areas,
and less maintenance will be required.
However, in the event neither warehousing nor paved areas are
available for supply storage, it will be necessary to construct an area of
suitable storage. Concrete or asphalt is preferred, but crushed stone
may be utilized. A layer of crushed stone six inches or more deep
should be laid on the soil, the depth will depend on the soil conditions.
Apply an herbicide immediately prior to laying the stone. The crushed
stone should be well compacted. Placing an impermeable barrier over
the soil in the storage area will eliminate the food and also break an
important link in the snail’s reproductive cycle. Use glyphosate
(Roundup ™) to remove the vegetation from a strip (20 to 25 feet wide)
around the perimeter of this area. Remove the top soil from the same
area.
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Regulatory Procedures
Principal Activities
Apply the herbicide glyphosate (Roundup ™) to the strip as follows:
Step 1 Review “Laws Pertaining to Pesticide Use” on page 7-1.
Step 2 For each acre, prepare a solution of 16.9 fluid ounces of
Roundup™and 10 gallons of water.
Step 3 Apply the solution as a spray to all vegetation in the
designated perimeter.
Ground
maintenance
equipment
Equipment utilized in ground maintenance work must not be parked,
stored, or left idle in snail infested areas. Clean and return equipment
to a protected storage area at the end of each work day to prevent
further spread of the snails.
Principal Activities
Principal activities for conducting a regulatory program to contain
snails include the following:
1. Advise regulated industry(ies) of required treatment procedures.
2. Supervise, monitor, and certify commodity treatments of
commercial lots of regulated articles.
3. Make regulatory visits to:
❖ Security and airline personnel
❖ Soil and sod firms
❖ Vegetable stands
❖ Flower stands
❖ Local growers, packers, and processing plants
❖ Farmer's associations, produce markets, and flea markets
❖ Local vehicle and maintenance depots, vehicle fleet operators
❖ Local building contractors
❖ Local vehicle dealers, garages, service stations
❖ Truck and trailer rental firms
❖ Commercial haulers of regulated articles
❖ Public transportation
❖ Post offices
4. Visiting warehouses, canneries and other processing and storage
establishments.
5. Monitor the movement of waste material to and from landfills to
ensure adequate disposal of regulated articles.
6. Monitor the movement of regulated articles through major
airports and other transportation centers.
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Principal Activities
7. Observe major highways and quarantine boundaries for
movement of host materials.
Removing Areas from Quarantine
Project managers identify and remove areas from quarantine
requirements after the snail is declared eradicated from those areas.
Eradication is achieved when sufficient time, equal to two years, has
passed since the last specimen recovery. At a minimum, one year
must elapse after control activities have ceased. APHIS will publish a
Notice of Quarantine Revocation in the Federal Register when areas
are removed from quarantine requirements.
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Regulatory Procedures
Principal Activities
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6
Public Education
1
Snail Pests in the
Family Achatinidae
Introduction
Public education plays a key role in the early detection and eradication
of achatinids. Trade is a major risk pathway for the movement and
redistribution of achatinids. Interceptions are strongly associated with
both unintentional movement (on soil, cut flowers, herbs and
vegetables), and intentional movement and smuggling (for
consumption or the pet trade)—especially from African nations.
Public education is extremely important in controlling and regulating
the human-aided movement of achatinids from infested areas. In
addition, public education can aid in identifying new infestations, and
in estimating the size of survey areas. Public education may provide
clues helpful in identifying the source of the infestation.
Once identification of achatinids has been confirmed by a specialist,
initiate a public education campaign utilizing the following resources:
◆ Media (newspaper, television and radio)
◆ Contact with local Cooperative Extension Service personnel
◆ Contact with local horticultural and agricultural groups
◆ Contact with city government officials
◆ PPQ brochures
◆ Flyers and pamphlets distributed in infested communities
◆ Public meetings
◆ Involvement of schools, community groups, and volunteer
organizations
◆ Neighborhood liaisons
Hand-picking of snails, and site clean-up to remove snail refuges, are
simple yet effective tasks for communities experiencing an outbreak of
this pest.
Legislative and Public Affairs
Contact with news media sources must be coordinated with APHIS
Legislative and Public Affairs (LPA).
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Public Education
Positive Response
Positive Response
Response from a member of the public that qualifies as a suspected
achatinid report warrants an investigation. Direct questioning of those
involved should focus on the distribution, sale or release of suspect
snails. Results of the questioning may help estimate and delineate the
presence of an infestation in time and space. Should a positive
detection be made, detailed questioning may provide important
information helpful in defining the survey area.
Fill out a Snail Report Worksheet (“Snail Survey Report Worksheet” on
page B-1) for each residential or public contact.
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7
Control Procedures
1
Snail Pests in the
Family Achatinidae
Introduction
Eradication of achatinids in the continental U.S. is essential. Consider cultural or
chemical control measures for eradication—or biological control organisms for
control—before beginning a program. Your goal is to eradicate these pests while
minimizing environmental effects. Program managers within Plant Protection and
Quarantine (PPQ) will provide cooperating states with control plans.
Laws Pertaining to Pesticide Use
The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) authorizes the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to regulate pesticides. All persons using and
applying pesticides should have a general understanding of the laws pertaining to
pesticide use and application. The following are provisions of FIFRA that are most
pertinent to emergency pest control programs:
u
Restricted use pesticides must be applied by a certified applicator
u
Use of any pesticide inconsistent with the label is prohibited
u
Violations can result in heavy fines and/or imprisonment
States may register pesticides on a limited basis for local needs according to the
following Sections:
u
Section 18. EPA administrators may exempt federal or state agencies from
FIFRA if it is determined that emergency conditions exist that require such
exemptions
u
Section 24. A state may provide registration for additional uses of federally
registered pesticides formulated for distribution and use within that state to
meet special local needs in accordance with the purposes of this act
For additional information concerning exemptions, see the Emergency Programs
Manual, Section 14. Contact Environmental Services staff to assure that any pesticide
being considered as part of an eradication program conforms to pesticide use
requirements. Obtain all required environmental documentation before beginning.
Environmental Monitoring
Environmental monitoring is an important consideration in all programs. Contact
Environmental Services staff to learn if environmental monitoring is required for the
emergency control program of achatinids. Environmental staff may evaluate
environmental impact by monitoring the following:
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Control Procedures
Orientation of Control Personnel
u
Water, to detect insecticide levels resulting from direct application, leaching,
and runoff
u
Soil, to determine insecticide levels and residues
u
Foliage, to identify residues
u
Non-target organisms before, during and after applications and post treatments,
to determine impact of pesticides
Orientation of Control Personnel
Only trained and experienced personnel will be used initially. These personnel will
train replacements. A training period of three working days should be sufficient for
the orderly transfer of these functions.
Records
Program personnel must maintain records and maps noting the locations of all
detections, the number and type of treatments, and the materials and formulations
used in each treated area.
Site Assessment
Site assessment is the foundation of snail control. Complete a “Snail Survey Report
Worksheet” on page B-1 prior to treatment. Send completed forms to the state Plant
Health Director.
Interview all persons involved with the discovery of the pest for relevant information
on site history and property ownership. Contact the identifier to learn more about
precautions associated with the species.
Site Visit
Communicate frequently with the person responsible for the site. Keep a log of
observations made while evaluating the site. Mark areas of invasive species with
flags, ribbon or other devices.
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Control Procedures
Site Assessment
Prepare a status report by answering the following questions:
u
Is the terrain sloped or flat?
u
Is there a source of calcium carbonate?
u
Are water sources nearby?
u
What is the property used for?
u
Is the area secure?
u
Does the area contain debris, trash or other obstacles?
u
Does the area contain an overgrowth of weeds and brush?
u
Are any “hot zones” close to other properties?
u
What is the general condition of the property?
u
Are snails climbing weeds, high brush or into trees?
Site classification
Developing a control plan is dependant on the type of property infested. Site access,
security, containment, and ownership type may dictate a particular direction in
eradication options.
Prepare a concise overview of the infested area. This means recording information
about the infested the property, including the following data:
u
Location
u
Type of property ownership: government, private, commercial, residential or
agricultural
u
Current and past property uses
u
Snail distribution
u
Status of security and containment
Site Mapping
Prepare a detailed map of the infested site, pinpointing the location and severity of
snail infestations. The map should include as much information as possible, such as
acreage, roads, tree lines, water sources, property uses, and global positioning system
coordinates.
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Control Procedures
Defining the Treatment Area
Defining the Treatment Area
Once a decision has been made to eradicate achatinids, use the decision table
(Table 7-1 below) to define the treatment area.
TABLE 7-1 Decision table to define treatment area
IF:
Are detected in an area:
THEN treatment will
commence and extend:
1-3 snails of any age
Of one property
100 yards beyond the detection
Eggs
Of one property
200 yards or three properties
beyond the infested property
More than 3 snails of any age
Of several or more properties
200 yards or three properties
beyond the nearest infested
property
Treatment Options
Continue eradication measures for two to four years. After the termination of
eradication measures, monitor the success of the program for one to two years.
Treatment may include the application of recommended molluscicides and/or cultural
controls. Effective, noninvasive biological control methods are unavailable for control
of achatinids. A combination of chemical and cultural controls is the most effective
treatment against this group of snail pests.
Formulate a treatment plan addressing specific issues based on the site classification
and types of resources needed to complete the treatment.
Consider the following:
u
Document all activity in infested area
u
Prepare lists of available resources and contacts
u
Determine if counter measures are likely to be needed
u
Cooperation of property owner
u
Widespread or random infestations may warrant treatment zones
Application of Recommended Molluscicides
At the initiation of an eradication program, evaluate all available molluscicides (see
“Using Molluscicides” on page A-1). Select a molluscicide after considering local
conditions, survey results, and efficacy of available products.
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Control Procedures
Application of Recommended Molluscicides
Metaldehyde
Metaldehyde is the most widely used active ingredient used in snail baits. It comes in
many formulations with various attractant systems. Metaldehyde baits containing 4%
metaldehyde are significantly more effective than those products containing only 2%
metaldehyde.
Some metaldehyde products are formulated with carbaryl, partly to increase the
spectrum of pests controlled to include soil and debris-dwelling insects, spiders, and
sowbugs. However, carbaryl is toxic to soil-inhabiting beneficial organisms, such as
ground beetles and earthworms.
Deadline® M-Ps™ (Label/MSDS) is a bait treatment that has been very effective in
recent years for invasive snail eradication. Deadline® 40 is a liquid formulation of
metaldehyde.
Methiocarb
Methiocarb is an organophosphate chemical. Most formulations of methiocarb are
classified as “restricted use”. Restricted use products may only be applied by a
certified pesticide applicator or under the direct supervision of a certified applicator.
According to some researchers, methiocarb produces better kill than metaldehyde
under wet conditions.
Mesurol® 75-W (Label/MSDS) is formulated as a wettable powder with 75% active
ingredient. Mesurol Pro® (Label/MSDS) is a food bait with 2% active ingredient.
Iron Phosphate
Iron phosphate is a relatively new active ingredient for slug and snail food baits. Iron
phosphate baits are considered safe for the environment. Unlike metaldehyde and
methiocarb products, baits containing iron phosphate are thought to be safe for pets
and other non-target animals.
After feeding on baits containing iron phosphate, slugs and snails will cease feeding
but will not die until 3-6 days later. For some slug and snail species, there is evidence
than iron phosphate baits are less effective than those containing metaldehyde or
methiocarb. Use iron phosphate baits on a test basis in areas where the potential harm
to non-target organisms is great. First Choice ® Sluggo Slug and Snail Bait (Label/
MSDS) is a granular bait containing 1% iron phosphate.
Tips for Applying Molluscicides
Follow these tips when applying molluscicides:
u
Spread baits evenly
u
Reverse the pattern of application on repeat treatments (spots may be missed
during ground application)
u
Use colored pellets for greater visibility
u
Use granules when visible bait is undesirable
u
Avoid bait applications preceding heavy rainfall to prevent rapid breakdown
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Control Procedures
Application Of Cultural Controls
u
Apply baits following rain, irrigation or dew
u
Liquid applications may be effective when bait formulas cannot reach target
snails
u
Place baits under boards or inverted flower pots to extend the life of the bait and
reduce the chance that baits are consumed by non-target animals
Application Of Cultural Controls
Use cultural controls to augment the effectiveness of chemical controls. Or, use a
combination of cultural methods without chemical controls in non-emergency
situations. Some cultural controls—such as draining wetlands—may be subject to
obtaining environmental documentation under the National Environmental Policy Act
(NEPA) and the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Check with the program manager to
make sure documentation is in order.
Copper Foil Barrier
Where practical, install strips of copper foil to repel snails and prevent their access to
tree foliage or planting beds for several years (Figure 7-5 below). Snails will not cross
the copper foil. Snail Barr® is a copper foil product widely available from suppliers of
agricultural products.
FIGURE 7-5 Copper foil wrap on tree trunk; photograph courtesy of Jack Kelley Clark
Bordeaux Mixture
Brush copper sulfate or Bordeaux mixture (10 pounds of copper sulfate, 10 pounds of
lime, and 100 gallons of water) on tree trunks to repel snails. Bordeaux mixture will
withstand rainy weather better than copper sulfate alone. For more information, see
“Resources” on page 11-1.
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Control Procedures
Application Of Cultural Controls
Soil Barrier
Snails limit their movement onto bare ground. Consequently, a strip of bare earth
about 1.5 meters wide around cultivated areas will give some protection. This form of
control is made more effective if combined with chemical means of control and
regular hand collection of snails.
Hand Collect Snails
Look for snails in areas with abundant calcium carbonate (limestone, marble, etc.).
Regular and extensive collection of snails should be carried out in tandem with other
control methods. Community cooperation can help to reduce snail numbers
significantly, particularly in newly infested areas. Use the following methods to
dispose of snails:
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Control Procedures
Application Of Biological Control Organisms
u
Freeze snails at -10 °C for at least three days
u
Immerse snails in boiling water, rubbing alcohol, ethanol, seawater
Disruption of Soil
In open fields, plowing the soil twice yearly will reduce small populations of
achatinids. Disking and cultivating will help to reduce snail populations in areas of
thin topsoil or where erosion is a problem.
Sanitation
Sanitation is a continual process during an eradication campaign. Destroy snail
habitats by clearing underbrush, eliminating refuse piles and loose boards, and
checking underneath stones. All infested properties must be cleaned thoroughly to
facilitate survey operations and to improve the effectiveness of control treatments.
Removal of trash, litter or debris must be done in such a way as to prevent the spread
of an infestation. Equipment used for maintenance, roadwork, etc. should not be
parked, stored or left idle in snail infested areas; but cleaned and returned to storage at
the end of each work day. Idle equipment should be removed from the infested area,
unless protected by barriers or stored inside buildings kept clear of any infestation.
Trapping
Trap snails under boards or flower pots positioned throughout the landscape. Inverted
melon rinds also make good traps.
Burn Debris
Collect, pile and burn host material if local ordinances permit.
Apply Herbicides
Use herbicides to control wild and cultivated hosts.
Application Of Biological Control Organisms
USDA/APHIS/PPQ does not currently recommend the use of biological control
organisms for control of achatinid snails. The recommendation may change if new
research indicates that effective species-specific organisms are available.
Important
Currently, there are no effective, ecologically-safe biological control organisms
available for the control of achatinids. However, the introduction of biological control
organisms may have helped to lower the population density of established achatinids
on Hawaii, Guam and other locations to the extent that they are no longer considered a
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Application Of Biological Control Organisms
pest. In contrast, achatinids have persisted at other locations at pest levels for many
decades, despite the introduction of biological control organisms (Raut and Barker
2002).
In the future, predators and pathogens of achatinids may have a greater role in a snail
control program.
Predators
Predatory flatworms (Platyhelminthes: Turbellaria) include Geoplana septemlineata
(Figure 7-6 below) and Platydemus manokwari. P. manokwari may be responsible for
a 95% decrease in population density of achatinids over a four year period in Guam.
FIGURE 7-6 Predatory flatworm (Platyhelminthes: Turbellaria) Geoplana septemlineata
attacking an achatinid in Hawaii; photograph courtesy of L. Nakahara,
Hawaii Department of Agriculture
FIGURE 7-7 Predatory snail Gonaxis quadrilateralis attacking an achatinid egg in
Hawaii; photograph courtesy of L. Nakahara, Hawaii Department of
Agriculture
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Control Procedures
Approved Treatments for Regulated Articles
Predatory snails include Edentulina affinis, Gonaxis quadrilateralis (Figure 7-7
above), Steptaxis kibweziensis and Euglandina rosea, which is native to the Gulf
states (Figure 3-17 earlier). Efforts to use predatory snails for control on the Hawaiian
Islands have failed. Furthermore, the introduction of snail predators has resulted in
unwanted predation on endemic tree snails.
Predatory insects include ants, beetles in the families Carabidae, Drilidae, and
Lampyridae, and flies in the family Muscidae. Some researchers found that predatory
insects released in Hawaii and Southeast Asia failed to become established or
contribute significantly to snail mortality.
In India, the hermit crabs (Arthropoda) Coenobita perlatus and Birgus latro (coconut
crab) are collected from sea beaches and released in snail-infested locations to prey
upon achatinids.
Rats (Rattus spp.) feed directly on snails and also infect them with Angiostrongylus
spp. (see “Program Safety” on page 1-1). Scientists have found a direct correlation
between greater population densities of rats and lower population densities of
achatinids, on some Pacific islands.
Ducks are a natural enemy of achatinids and have been observed to feed on the eggs
and juveniles in India.
Pathogens
Aeromonas hydrophila is a species of small, motile, gram-negative, rod-shaped
bacteria that is capable of causing a disease in humans, fish, and mollusks. Aeromonas
hydrophila has been implicated as a causative agent in the decline of achatinids in
much of the pests naturalize range. The disease spreads easily among achatinids under
conditions of high temperature and humidity, when their population density is great.
The disease is spread through physical contact, eating dead snails, and rasping slime
from infected snails. In South Andamans, scientists have spread the disease among
snails by spraying their food and habitat with an aqueous extract of diseased snails.
Approved Treatments for Regulated Articles
Approved regulatory treatments for this pest are determined by program management
and/or a Technical Advisory Committee in conjunction with the Center for Plant
Health, Science, and Technology (CPHST). Find directions for using the treatments in
the PPQ Treatment Manual. Use the following approved treatments to move regulated
articles out of a quarantine area:
Cold Treatment
Application of cold temperatures lethal to a target snail (below the biological
threshold or for a time period beyond the snail’s ability to endure). May be used alone
or in combination with fumigation.
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Approved Treatments for Regulated Articles
Fumigation/Cold Treatment
Application of an approved fumigant in conjunction with cold treatment procedures.
Fumigation/Vacuum
Application of an approved fumigant in conjunction with vacuum procedures.
Sanitation
Removal and destruction of leaves, flowers, stems, stalks, rotting or fallen fruit,
vegetables, and other food plant material.
Soil Treatment
An approved molluscicide applied to the soil within the drip line of food plants. Hold
plants for one week after treatment before certifying for movement after reinspection.
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Control Procedures
Approved Treatments for Regulated Articles
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8
Environmental Compliance1
Snail Pests in the
Family Achatinidae
Overview
Environmental Services (ES) is a unit of APHIS’ Policy and Program
Development Staff (PPD). ES is responsible for APHIS’ compliance with
various laws such as the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
and the Endangered Species Act (ESA). ES manages the preparation of
environmental documentation, such as environmental impact
statements (EIS), environmental assessments (EA), and categorical
exclusions, to aid in program operational decisions. ES also
coordinates pesticide registration and approvals for APHIS pest control
and eradication programs, ensuring that registrations and approvals
meet program use needs and conform to pesticide use requirements.
Regulatory Coordination manages the final preparation of
environmental documents and prepares them for publication in the
Federal Register.
See “Resources” on page 11-1 for more information.
Disclaimer
All uses of pesticides must be registered or approved by appropriate
federal, state, and/or tribal agencies before they can be applied. The
information provided on pesticide labels may not reflect all of the
actual information, including precautions and instructions for use,
which you are required to follow in your specific state or locality.
It is the responsibility of persons intending to use a pesticide to read
and abide by the label, including labeling that has been approved for
the particular state or locality in which the chemical is to be used, and
to comply with all federal, state, tribal, and local laws and regulations
relating to the use of the pesticide. APHIS program staffs are
responsible for their compliance with applicable environmental
regulations.
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Environmental Compliance
Disclaimer
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9
Pathways
1
Snail Pests in the
Family Achatinidae
Introduction
Commerce and intentional spread by mankind appear to be the most
likely pathways for introduction of this pest. Species such as Achatina
fulica were transported accidentally by man during the period of
largely European colonization of many areas of the world, and have
utilized the increased flotsam of modern human societies as a vehicle
(Mead 1961, 1979).
Today, ethnic populations utilizing achatinids as dietary, medicinal, or
cultural foodstuffs move live snails with their personal possessions.
Most achatinids that PPQ intercepted during the period January 1993
to December 2003 arrived on flights that originated in countries that
have established populations of achatinids—countries such as Ghana,
Nigeria, and Senegal (Mead 1961, 1979).
Natural Dissemination
Natural spread does not appear to be a significant source for giant
African snail. Achatinids are not found on the island of Annobon (Isla
de Bioko), which lies less than 40 km off the eastern coast of
Equatorial Guinea, suggesting that natural spread over water is
extremely limited (Mead 1961, 1979).
The spread of achatinids over land can be correlated with the
movement and colonization of new areas by humans. According to
Mead (1961, 1979), “There are many factors which favor spread of the
giant snail. Chief among these is the human factor—man might
justifiably be considered the only effective disseminator.”
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Pathways
Impact of International Flights
Impact of International Flights
During the period January 1993 through December 2003, eighty-nine
per cent of all achatinids intercepted by PPQ arrived in the passenger
baggage pathway from flights, particularly from Africa and Hawaii
(Table 9-1 below).
TABLE 9-1 Achatinids intercepted at ports of entry in the U.S. by Plant Protection
and Quarantine (PPQ) during the period January 1993 through
December 2003
Achatinids intercepted
Total number/
10 years
Port of entry
Per cent of
total
DC: Dulles
Airport
23
6
Georgia:
Atlanta
15
4
Hawaii:
pre-clearance
inspection
77
20
Illinois: O’Hare
Airport
14
4
Maryland:
Baltimore
10
3
Massachusett
s: Boston
12
3
New Jersey:
Elizabeth
Airport
9
2
New York: JFK
Airport
173
45
Texas: Dallas
airports
10
3
Texas:
Houston
Airport
9
2
Other airports
36
9
Total
388
101
Source: USDA, Port Information Network, quarantine interception data.
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Pathways
Commerce
Commerce
During the period January 1993 through December 2003, three per
cent of achatinids intercepted by PPQ arrived in association with the
containers, cargo, soil, foodstuffs, crating, and tools pathway
(Table 9-2 below).
TABLE 9-2 Pathways of arrival of achatinids intercepted by PPQ during the period
January 1993 through December 2003
Achatinids intercepted
Pathway
Total number/
10 years
Per cent of
total
Baggage
320
89
Cargo
10
3
Plants
27
7
Other
4
1
Total
361
100
Source: USDA, Port Information Network, quarantine interception data.
Pet Industry
Prior to 1997, live snails were seized by PPQ in Arizona, California,
Florida and Ohio. For example, in 1992 more than 70 Archachatina
marginata were seized in Florida. A Tallahassee pet store owner had
been selling snails to buyers as far away as Wilmington, NC.
During a blitz conducted by Safeguarding, Intervention, and Trade
Compliance (SITC) in April, May, and June 2004, PPQ Officers seized
and destroyed 6,719 achatinids in six states and 64 cities (Table 9-3
below). In Ohio, one seizure resulted in 2,500 achatinid snails, which
the owner stated were the offspring of one adult.
TABLE 9-3 Seizures of achatinid snails during the period April—June 2004, from pet
stores, aquarium owners, and private homes in the U.S. APHIS/
Safeguarding, Intervention and Trade Compliance (SITC) conducted
the blitz
Location
Number of
cities
Number of
interceptions/
3 months
Illinois
7
98
Indiana
4
300
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Pathways
Countries of Origin
TABLE 9-3 Seizures of achatinid snails during the period April—June 2004, from pet
stores, aquarium owners, and private homes in the U.S. APHIS/
Safeguarding, Intervention and Trade Compliance (SITC) conducted
the blitz
Number of
interceptions/
3 months
Number of
cities
Location
Michigan
8
1544
New Jersey
1
1
Ohio
4
3,139
Pennsylvania
1
170
Puerto Rico
1
1
Wisconsin
37
1364
West Virginia
1
102
64
6,719
Total
Source: USDOT, Air Travelers entering the US.
Countries of Origin
Seventy-four per cent of the achatinids intercepted from the air
passenger pathway originated in African countries, particularly
Nigeria and Ghana, and another 20 per cent were intercepted by
pre-clearance activities in Hawaii (Table 9-4 below). Achatinids
originated in Africa but are now widely distributed throughout the
Pacific (see chapter 2).
TABLE 9-4 Origin of species of achatinids intercepted at ports of entry in the U.S. by Plant Protection
and Quarantine (PPQ) during the period January 1993—December 2003
Number of snails intercepted
Location
9-4
A. achatina
A. fulica
A.
marginata
L. aurora
Unidentified
achatinids
Total
Ghana
76
12
88
Nigeria
73
75
148
Senegal
11
Other
22
Total Africa
182
5
Honolulu
0
36
36
Lihue
0
35
35
11
14
36
101
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Pathways
Destinations
TABLE 9-4 Origin of species of achatinids intercepted at ports of entry in the U.S. by Plant Protection
and Quarantine (PPQ) during the period January 1993—December 2003
Number of snails intercepted
Location
A. achatina
A.
marginata
A. fulica
Kailua Kona
0
5
Kahului
0
1
L. aurora
Unidentified
achatinids
5
0
0
1
77
Total Hawaii
Pacific
Islands
0
Other
6
Total
188
Total
77
4
86
0
0
4
1
2
9
102
2
10
388
Source: USDA, Port Information Network, quarantine pest interception data.
Destinations
New York was the final destination for 40 per cent of the achatinids
intercepted by PPQ; California intercepted 14 per cent. Twenty-nine
other states made up the remainder of the destinations, varying from 1
per cent (most other states) to 6 per cent (Texas) (Table 9-5 below).
TABLE 9-5 Destination of travelers intercepted, with achatinids, at ports of entry in
the U.S. by PPQ during the period January 1993—December 2003
Travelers intercepted with
achatinids
Destination
Total number
Per cent of
total
California
51
14
Florida
9
2
Georgia
19
5
Illinois
16
4
Maryland
11
3
Massachusetts
10
3
New Jersey
24
7
New York
144
40
Virginia
10
3
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9-5
Pathways
Destinations
TABLE 9-5 Destination of travelers intercepted, with achatinids, at ports of entry in
the U.S. by PPQ during the period January 1993—December 2003
Travelers intercepted with
achatinids
Destination
Total number
Per cent of
total
Other
44
12
Total
361
99
Source: USDA, Port Information Network, quarantine pest interception data.
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10
Glossary
1
Snail Pests in the
Family Achatinidae
Definitions
APHIS. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
apex. The tip of the spire of a snail shell, at the opposite end from the
aperture.
aperture. The mouth or principal opening of the shell, through which
the body of the gastropod passes out of the shell.
attractant trap. A trap employing a lure which incites the target snail
to come to it and be caught.
barrier. A natural or artificial obstacle to movement.
biometric survey. A survey succeeding the delimiting survey, in
which properties are number and letter coded for survey purposes on
a rotational basis.
body whorl. The last whorl of a snail shell, from the aperture to the
line directly above the aperture on the previous whorl (=ultimate
whorl). Normally, it is the largest portion of the shell, and as such,
partially encloses the rest of the shell.
buffer zone. The area extending 75 meters (81.9 yd.) beyond the core
zone.
collumella. Central column of the shell, around which the shell
whorls coil.
commercial production area. An area where host material is grown
for sale.
confirmed detection. A positive laboratory identification of a
submitted specimens the target snail.
core zone. A minimum distance of 25 meters (27.3 yd.) in all
directions of any confirmed target snail infestation.
delimiting survey. A survey to determine the extent of the infestation
in an area after the target snail has been detected.
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Glossary
Definitions
detection. The collection of any life stage of the target snail.
detection survey. A survey conducted in a susceptible area not
known to be infested with the target snail.
dry heat. The use of high temperatures as a treatment.
egg survey. The collection and holding of suspect eggs when no
hatched snails are available to determine the extent and nature of an
infestation.
epicenter. The initial site of an infestation.
epiphragm. A hardened mucous barrier that seals the aperture in
most land snails and prevents desiccation during dry spells.
fumigation. The application of an approved fumigant, such as methyl
bromide, as a treatment (methyl bromide).
generation. Or life cycle. The period of time for the pest to complete all
stages of development predicated on the basis of biological
information.
ground spray. Using ground spray equipment to apply molluscicide to
the ground, selected resting places or host vegetation in a target snail
infested area.
host. A plant species, substrate, debris, or other food reproduction of
the target snail.
infestation. The collection of one or more target snails from an area.
infested area. The infested properties or core areas of no less than 25
m (27.3 yd.) on a side each, unless biological factors indicate the need
for more or less area.
monitoring. Or evaluation survey. Using interdependent visual and/
or trapping surveys in an area where treatment has been applied to
evaluate the effectiveness of the application.
PPQ. Plant Protection and Quarantine.
parietal callus. A layer of shell secreted over the parietal area.
regulated zone. A zone that extends at least 100 meters (109 yd.) in
any direction from an infested property. The regulated zone may be
extended to include any other nearby regulated areas as seems
practical or within 1 km (0.6 mi.
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APHIS Plant Health Programs
Glossary
Definitions
regulatory inspection. Visual examination of host material,
containers, and transport.
steam sterilization. The use of live steam as a treatment on selected
regulated items.
suture. The line of contact or fusion between one shell whorl and the
next.
target snail. The exotic species of snail found to be established in a
given area of the United States against which it has been determined
to conduct eradication and/or regulatory action.
trap survey. Determining the presence or absence of a pest by the use
of traps placed in a predetermined pattern and serviced on a given
schedule.
urban area. Or residential area. Noncommercial crop production area
containing multiple or single-family dwellings.
USDA. United States Department of Agriculture.
visual survey. Examining hosts, substrate, or hiding places for eggs,
adults, or visible damage; either in the field, in regulated
establishments, or in monitoring the movement of regulated articles.
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Glossary
Definitions
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11
Resources
1
Snail Pests in the
Family Achatinidae
Pesticide Supplies
Mesurol® Products
Gowan Company
P.O. Box 5569
Yuma, Arizona 85366-5569
Telephone: (800) 883-1844 X 2
http://www.gowanco.com
Deadline® Products
Pace International
1011 Western Ave., Suite 505
Seattle, Washington 98104
(800) 936-6750
http://www.paceint.com
First Choice ® Sluggo Slug and Snail Bait
Western Farm Service, Inc.
P.O. Box 1168
Fresno, California 93711
(559) 436-2800
http://www.westernfarmservice.com
Copper Sulfate and Bordeaux Mixtures
CR Chemical Corp.
4450 Trade Center Blvd., ITC Park
Laredo, Texas 78045
(956) 753-0175
http://www.crchemical.com
Statewide IPM Program
Agriculture and Natural Resources
University of California
Pests in Landscapes and Gardens
Bordeaux Mixture
http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7481.html
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Resources
Pest Management Supplies
Pest Management Supplies
BioQuip Products, Inc.
2321 Gladwick Street
Rancho Dominguez, CA 90220
Telephone (310) 667-8800
http://www.bioquip.com/
Wards Natural Science
PO Box 92912
Rochester, NY 14692-9012
Telephone 800-962-2660
http://www.wardsci.com/
Carolina Biological Supply Co.
2700 York Road
Burlington, NC 27215-3398
Telephone (800)334-5551
http://www.carolina.com/
Hercon Environmental Corporation
PO Box 467 Aberdeen Road
Emigsville PA 17318-0467 USA
Telephone (717) 764-1191
Fax (717) 767-1016
http://www.herconenviron.com/
Cooper Mill Ltd
RR3
Madoc, Ontario K0K 2K0
CANADA
Telephone (613) 473-4847
Fax (613) 473-5080
http://www.coopermill.com
ISCA Technologies, Inc.
P.O. Box 5266
Riverside, CA, 92521
Telephone (909) 686-5008
Fax (815) 346-1722
http://www.iscatech.com/exec/index.htm
Great Lakes IPM, Inc.
10220 Church Road
Vestaburg, Mi 48891-9746
Telephone (989) 268-5693 or (989) 268-5911
Fax (989) 268-5311
http://www.greatlakesipm.com/index.html
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Resources
USDA/APHIS/Environmental Services contacts
USDA/APHIS/Environmental Services contacts
Susan J. O’Toole
USDA/APHIS/PPQ
Environmental Services
4700 River Road
Riverdale, MD 20737
Telephone (301) 734-5861
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/es/staff.html
USDA/APHIS/PPQ/Environmental Monitoring
Ronald Berger
USDA/APHIS/PPQ
Environmental Monitoring
4700 River Road
Riverdale, MD 20737
Telephone (301) 734-7175
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/es/staff.html
Other
Predicting Pest Development
University of California Statewide Integrated Pest Management
Program 2003 (http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/WEATHER/
ddconcepts.html#Using or
http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/MODELS/DDU/)
Collecting Local Temperature Data
◆ National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (http://
www.noaa.gov/)
◆ U.S. Department of Commerce (http://www.commerce.gov/)
◆ Local Cooperative Extension Service
◆ Private, state, university, or industry sources
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Resources
Other
11-4
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12
References
1
Snail Pests in the
Family Achatinidae
References
Abbott, R.T. 1949. March of the Giant African Snail. Natural History.
February: 68-71.
Anon. 1985. Snails (Gastropoda) Generic Action Plan (DRAFT). USDA/
APHIS/PPQ. 91 pages.
Anon. January 24, 2004. Giant Snail found on Gold Coast. Sydney
Morning Herald. http://smh.com.
Asamoah, S.A. 1999. Ecology and Status of the Giant African Snails in
the BIA Biosphere Reserve in Ghana. Final Report: Ecological Studies
on the Giant African Snails. Animal Research Institute, Achimota,
Ghana. http://www.unesco.org/mab/capacity/mys/98/asamoah/
asamoharep.PDF
Ashby, C. 2004. Achatina achatina, commonly known as the Giant
Ghana tiger Snail. The Snail Pages. http://www.geocities.com/
sarkymite/
Ajayi, S.S. 1978. Observations on the biology and nutritive value of the
African giant snail Archachatina marginata. East African Wildlife
Journal 16: 85-95.
Ashby, C. 2004. Archachatina marginata. The Snail Pages. 1-2. http://
www.geocities.com/sarkymite/
Balasubramanian, M. and P. Kalayanasundaram. 1974. A note on the
incidence of giant African snail, Achatina fulica Bowdich. Annamalai
University Agricultural Research Annual 4/5: 217.
Bequaert, J. C. 1950. Studies in the Achatinidae, a group of African
Snails. Bulletin of the Museum of Comparative Zoology at Harvard
College, 105: 1-216.
Bohmont, B.L. 1997. The Standard Pesticide User’s Guide. USDA
Custom Edition. Boston: Pearson Custom Publishing for Prentice Hall,
Inc.
Burch, J. B. 1960. Some snails and slugs of quarantine significance to
the United States. ARS 82-1. Washington, DC: USDA/PPQ/
Agricultural Research Service.
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References
References
Centers for Disease Control. 2004. Division of Parasitic Diseases. Fact
Sheet. Angiostrongylus cantonensis. Updated May 13, 2004: pp. 1-4.
www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dpd/parasites/angiostrongylus/
factsht_angiostrongylus.htm
Central Intelligence Agency. 1996. Western Samoa. Economy. 1996
CIA World Factbook. http://theodora.com/wfb/
western_samoa_economy.html
Commonwealth of Australia. 2004. Giant African Snail. Dept. of
Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Fact Sheet No. 3. http://
www.affa.gov.au/
Cowie, R.H. 2004. Achatina fulica. Global Invasive Species Database.
http://www.issg.org/database/
Crowley, T. E. and T. Pain. 1970. A monographic revision of the
African land snails of the genus Limicolaria Schumacher (Achatinidae).
Koninklijk Museum voor Midden-Africa (Reeks in 8°), Zoologische
Wetenschappen, Annalen/Musée Royal de l’Afrique Centrale (Serie
in-8°), Sciences Zoologiques. (177): 1-61.
Denmark, H. A. and Poucher, C. 1969. Giant African Snail in Florida.
Leaflet no. 4. Gainesville: Florida Department of Agriculture and
Consumer Services, Division of Plant Industry.
Duah, O.A. and K. A. Monney. 1999. Population density estimation
and feeding ecology of the giant snail Achatina achatina in a forest
reserve. African Journal of Ecology 37(3): 366-368.
Duke, J.A. 1983. Handbook of Energy Crops. Unpublished. http://
www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/
Esobe, S.O. 1986. Feeding of the giant African snail Achatina achatina.
Some feeds compared. Snail farming research. Italian Snail Farmers
Association. Charasco (CN), Italy: Associazione nazionale elicicoltori:
50-53.
Fields, A. 2003. Assistance for the management of the Giant African
Snail - Survey Methodology (Grenada and St. Vincent and the
Grenadines). Univ. W. Indies, Barbados. FAO TCP/RLA/2906.
Goodman, K. "The Giant African Land Snail Site," http://
www.geocities.com/Heartland/Valley/6210/ (accessed March 8,
2005)
Hanna, G.D. 1966. Introduced Mollusks of Western North America.
Occasional papers of the California Academy of Sciences 48: 1-108.
12-2
Snail Pests in the Family Achatinidae
03/2005-3
APHIS Plant Health Programs
References
References
Hardouin J., C. Stievenart & J.T.C. Codjia. 1995. L'achatiniculture Revue Mondiale de Zootechnie (FAO/AGA; Roma) 2 (83): 29-39.
Hodasi, J.K.M. 1975. Preliminary studies on the feeding and
burrowing habits of Achatina achatina. Ghana Journal of Science 15(2):
193-199.
Hodasi, J.K.M. 1979. Life-history studies of Achatina achatina (Linné).
The Journal of Molluscan Studies. 45: 329-339.
Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture. 2002. Report
on giant African snail workshop. IICA, Saint Lucia. 89 pages.
Kakoty, N.N. and S.C. Das, S.C. 1987. The giant African snail,
Achatina fulica Bowditch, a non-arthropod pest. Two and a Bud 34:
33-35.
Lange, W.H. 1950. Life history and feeding habits of the Giant African
Snail in Saipan. Pacific Science 4: 323-335.
Mead, A.R. 1949. The Giant Snails. Atlantic 184(2): 38-42.
Mead, A.R. 1961. The Giant African Snail. A Problem in Economic
Malacology. Chicago: Univ. of Chicago Press. 257 pages.
Mead, A.R. 1979. Economic Malacology with Particular Reference to
Achatina fulica. In: V. Fretter and V. Peale, eds. Pulmonates, vol. 2B.
London: Academic Press. 150 pp.
Mead, A.R. and L. Palcy. 1992. Two giant African land snail species
spread to Martinique, French West Indies. The Veliger 35(1): 74-77.
Okafor, F.C. 1989. Consumption and assimilation of food in Achatina
achatina. Tropical Ecology 30(1): 52-57.
Overton, M. "The Tarantula’s Burrow," http://arachnophiliac.co.uk/
burrow/home.htm (accessed March 8, 2005)
Paiva, C.L. 2004. Achatina fulica. Agricultural plague and threat to the
public health in Brazil. http://www.geocities.com/RainForest/9468/
achat_tr.htm: 1-30.
Palcy, L. and A.R. Mead. 1993. Les deux redoutables escargots geants
Africains a la Martinique. Phytoma 449: 3-5.
Peterson, S. "Welcome to BugWeb," http://www.bugweb.dk/
index.html (accessed March 8, 2005).
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APHIS Plant Health Programs
Snail Pests in the Family Achatinidae
12-3
References
References
Pilsbry, H. 1946. Family Bulimulidae. Subfamily Orthalicinae. Pp.
29-102. In: Land Mollusca of North America (north of Mexico).
Monographs of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia (3) 2(1):
1-520.
Pilsbry, H. 1899. Manual of Conchology. Structural and Systematic with
illustration of the species. Second Series: Pulmonata. Volume XII.
American Bulimulidae: North American and Antillean Drymaeus,
Leiostracus Orthalicinae and Amphibuliminae. Academy of Natural
Sciences of Philadelphia.
Plummer, J. 1998. Observations on the reproduction, growth and
longevity of a laboratory colony of Archachatina marginata.
Unpublished manuscript. http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/
Valley/
Poucher, C. 1975. Eradication of the giant African snail in Florida.
Florida State Horticultural Society 523-524.
Raut, S.K. and K. C. Ghose. 1984. Pestiferous land snails of India.
Zoological Survey of India. Technical Monograph 11: 74-81.
Raut, S. K. and G. M. Barker. 2002. Achatina fulica Bowdich and other
Achatinidae as pests in Tropical Agriculture. In: Molluscs as Crop
Pests, CAB International. Chapter 3: 55-114.
Robinson, D. G. 2002. Introduction to Giant African Snail.
Presentation to Giant African Snail Workshop. Inter-American
Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture and Ministry of Agriculture,
Forestry and Fisheries, Rodney Bay, St. Lucia, December 4-5, 2002.
Unpublished.
Robinson, D. G. 2002. Gastropods Intercepted by PPQ. USDA/APHIS/
PPQ. Unpublished.
Robinson, D. G. 2003. Mollusk Identification Manual. USDA/APHIS/
PPQ. Unpublished.
Schotman, C. 1989 3rd ed. The Giant African Snail. Data Sheet. FAO
Office, P. O. Box 822, Port-of-Spain, Trinidad.
Simberloff, D. 1996. Impacts of introduced species in the United
States. Consequences 2(2): 13-23. http://gcrio.org/
CONSEQUENCES/
Singh, S. N. and C. S. Roy. 1977. Host records of Achatina fulica
Bowdich, the giant African snail. Entomologists’ Newsletter (New Delhi)
7(1-2): 10-11.
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Snail Pests in the Family Achatinidae
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APHIS Plant Health Programs
References
References
Smith, B.J. 1989. Traveling snails. Journal of Medical and Applied
Malacology 1: 195-204.
Smith, J.W. and G.F. Fowler. 2003 (Draft). Pathway risk assessment
for Achatinidae with emphasis on the giant African land snail Achatina
fulica (Bowdich) and Limicolaria aurora from the Caribbean and Brazil
with comments on related taxa Achatina achatina (Linne),
Archachatina marginata (Swainson) intercepted by PPQ. Plant
Epidemiology and Risk Analysis Laboratory. USDA/APHIS/USDA.
Speiser, B. 2001. Food and feeding behaviour. In: The Biology of
Terrestrial Molluscs. CAB International. 6: 259-288.
Spence, G.C. 1938. Limicolaria as a Pest. Journal of Conchology 21(3):
72.
Srivastava, P.D. 1985. Biology and control of the giant African snail. Pg.
45-51. In: Indian Developmental Biology of Animals, eds. S.C. Goel
and C. B. L. Srivastava. Indian Society of Developmental Biologists,
Poona, India.
Thakur, S. 1998. Studies on food preference and biology of giant
African snail, Achatina fulica in Bihar. Journal of Ecobiology 10(2):
103-109.
Tomiyama, K. and M. Nakane. 1993. Dispersal patterns of the giant
African snail, Achatina fulica (Ferussac) (Stypommatophora:
Achatinidae), equipped with a radio transmitter. Journal of Molluscan
Studies 59: 315-322.
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Snail Pests in the Family Achatinidae
12-5
References
References
12-6
Snail Pests in the Family Achatinidae
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APHIS Plant Health Programs
A
Using Molluscicides
1
Snail Pests in the
Family Achatinidae
General Safety Information
Safety of personnel and the public are of primary importance. Stress
safety practices in preprogram planning. Supervisors must enforce
on-the-job safety procedures.
Molluscicides vary in toxicity (see “Control Procedures” on page 7-1).
When used in accordance with label instructions, materials do not
constitute a threat to people, bees or wildlife. When handling a
molluscicide, follow all precautionary labeling. Specific safety
precautions for each molluscicide are listed on the label. In addition,
observe any special precautions listed in this or specific manuals.
When applying a molluscicide, consider the potential impact of the
pesticide on all components of the total environment, including
humans, crops, livestock, wildlife, aquatic life, non-target insect
species, and domesticated honey bees. Avoid contamination of lakes,
streams, ponds, or watersheds.
Keep molluscicides in closed, properly labeled containers in a dry
place. Store them where they will not contaminate food or feed, and
where children and animals cannot reach them.
In the case of accidental contact, wash immediately with soap and
water. Should clothing become contaminated, wash it before wearing
again. Refer to the PPQ Treatment Manual for additional information.
Dispose of empty molluscicide containers in an approved sanitary
landfill, by incineration, or by other satisfactory methods approved by
the federal Environmental Protection Agency. Make arrangements for
disposal of such containers and make sure that all parties directly
involved with the program thoroughly understand the arrangements
before the actual start of operations. Consult PPQ regional offices and
the National Program Planning Staff for pertinent information in states
where operations are conducted.
First Aid Suggestions
In case of accidental poisoning or as soon as any person shows
symptoms of having been affected by a molluscicide, take the following
action:
03/2005-03
Snail Pests in the Family Achatinidae
Pest Detection and Management Programs
New Pest Response Guidelines
A-1
Using Molluscicides
Managing and Monitoring Spills
1. Remove the person to a place where there will be no further
contact with the pesticide.
2. Have the person lie down and keep quiet.
3. Call a physician and provide the name and formulation of the
molluscicide, and any first aid given.
4. Keep the local Poison Control Center telephone number posted
where molluscicides are stored and used. This number is also on
the inside front cover of the telephone directory. Call Chemtrex
(telephone 800-424-9300) for additional assistance in the event
of spills, leaks, fires, exposures, accidents, or other chemical
emergencies.
Managing and Monitoring Spills
Supervisors involved in molluscicide applications must have available
and be familiar with the “Guidelines for Managing and Monitoring
Pesticide Spills,” dated March 1981. In addition, make sure that the
following molluscicide spill safety equipment is present at all job sites
where pesticides are stored or used:
◆ First Aid Kit – truck kit, GSA 66545-00-664-5312 (or equivalent)
◆ Fire extinguisher – 5 lb. size for class A, B, C fires
◆ Portable eye wash kit
Cleanup Equipment
Make sure that the following molluscicide spill cleanup equipment is
present at all job sites where pesticides are stored or used:
◆ Absorbent material to absorb liquid spills (sand, sawdust,
vermiculite, cat litter, etc.)
◆ Broom
◆ Disposable coveralls (4 pairs)
◆ Dust pan
◆ Liquid detergent (1 pint bottle) and paper towels
◆ Plastic bags, large heavy duty, with ties (23)
◆ Plastic cover or tarpaulin to cover dry spills (10’ x 12’)
◆ Portable light source
◆ Respirators and pesticide cartridges (2 sets)
◆ Rubber boots (2 pairs)
A-2
Snail Pests in the Family Achatinidae
03/2005-03
Pest Detection and Management Programs
Using Molluscicides
Cleanup Equipment
◆ Rubber gloves (4 pairs)
◆ Scrub brushes
◆ Shovel, square-point, “d” handle
◆ Water (5 gallons)
03/2005-03
Snail Pests in the Family Achatinidae
Pest Detection and Management Programs
A-3
Using Molluscicides
Cleanup Equipment
A-4
Snail Pests in the Family Achatinidae
03/2005-03
Pest Detection and Management Programs
B
Snail Survey Report
Worksheet
1
Snail Pests in the
Family Achatinidae
03/2005-03
Pest Detection and Management Programs
New Pest Response Guidelines
Snail Pests in the Family Achatinidae
B-1
Snail Survey Report Worksheet
FIGURE 14-8 Example of snail survey report worksheet
B-2
Snail Pests in the Family Achatinidae
03/2005-03
Pest Detection and Management Programs
C
Food Plants
1
Snail Pests in the
Family Achatinidae
Achatina achatina
TABLE C-1 Economic food plants of the continental U.S. with potential to become host
plants of Achatina achatina
Brassica spp.
Cabbage
Carica papaya
Papaya
Citrus sinensis
Sweet orange
Dioscorea alata
Greater yam
Dioscorea esculenta
Lesser yam
Elaeis guineensis
African oil palm
Abelmoschus esculentus
Okra
Ipomoea batatas
Sweet potato
Lactuca sativa
Lettuce
Manihot esculenta
Cassava
Musa sapientum
Banana
Pyrus communis
Pear
Persea gratissima
Avocado
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Pest Detection and Management Programs
New Pest Response Guidelines
Snail Pests in the Family Achatinidae
C-1
Food Plants
Achatina achatina
TABLE C-2 Primary (P) and secondary (S) food preferences of Achatina achatina
Brassica oleracea
Cabbage
S14
Carica papaya
Papaya
P6,14
Citrus sinensis
Sweet orange
P6,14
Dioscorea alata
Greater yam
P14
Elaeis guineensis
Oil palm
P6,14
Yam
P14
Dioscorea esculenta
C-2
Ficus anomani
Fig
P3
Hibiscus esculentus
Okra
P11
Ipomoea batatas
Sweet potato
S14
Lactuca sativa
Lettuce
P6,14
Lactuca taraxacifolia
Wild lettuce
P6
Manihot esculenta
Cassava
S14
Musa sapientum
Banana
P6
Persea gratissima
Avocado pear
P6
Pyrus communis
Pear
S14
Snail Pests in the Family Achatinidae
03/2005-03
Pest Detection and Management Programs
Food Plants
Achatina fulica
Achatina fulica
TABLE C-3 Economic food plants of the continental U.S. with potential to become host
plants of Achatina fulica
Abelmoschus esculentus
Okra
Amaranthus spp.
Amaranth
Arachis hypogaea
Peanut
Beta vulgaris
Common beet
Bougainvillea spp.
Bougainvillea
Brassica spp.
Cabbage
Cajanus cajan
Pigeon-pea
Camellia sinensis
Tea
Capsicum annuum
Cayenne pepper
Capsicum spp.
Chilli peppers
Carica papaya
Papaya
Catharanthus roseus
Periwinkle
Citrullus lanatus
Watermelon
Citrus spp.
Citrus
Cocos nucifera
Coconut
Crotalaria anagyroides
Crotalaria
Cucumis spp.
Melon, cucumber
Cucurbita pepo
Pumpkin
Cucurbita spp.
Gourds
Daucus carota
Carrot
Dioscorea alata
Greater yam
Epipremnum aureum
Golden pothos
Epipremnum pinnatum
Tongavine
Eugenia spp.
Star apple
Fragaria spp.
Strawberry
Glycine spp.
Beans
Gossypium spp.
Cotton
Hibiscus spp.
Hibiscus
Ipomoea batatas
Sweet potato
03/2005-03
Pest Detection and Management Programs
Snail Pests in the Family Achatinidae
C-3
Food Plants
Achatina fulica
TABLE C-3 Economic food plants of the continental U.S. with potential to become host
plants of Achatina fulica
C-4
Lablab purpureus
Hyacinth bean
Lactuca spp.
Lettuce
Lagenaria spp.
Gourd
Luffa spp.
Vegetable sponge
Lycopersicon esculentum
Tomato
Manihot esculenta
Cassava
Monstera deliciosa
Cut-leaf philodendron
Musa spp.
Bananas
Nicotiana spp.
Tobacco
Pachyrhizus erosus
Yam bean
Phaseolus spp.
Bean
Physalis peruviana
Peruvian ground-cherry
Piper nigrum
Pepper
Pisum spp.
Peas
Prunus persica
Tao
Psidium guajava
Guava
Raphanus sativus
Radish
Ricinus communis
Caster
Ruta graveolens
Common rue
Saccharum officinarum
Sugarcane
Sesamum indicum
Sesame
Sinapis arvensis
Charlock mustard
Solanum melongena
Eggplant
Solanum tuberosum
Potato
Symphytum officinale
Comfrey
Trichosanthes dioica
Pointed gourd
Snail Pests in the Family Achatinidae
03/2005-03
Pest Detection and Management Programs
Food Plants
Achatina fulica
TABLE C-4 Primary (P) and secondary (S) food preferences of Achatina fulica
Abelmoschus esculentus
Okra
S14,19
Falcataria molucanna
Peacocks plume
P9,14
Albizia lebbeck
Woman’s tongue
P14,8
Albizia spp.
Albizia
P14
Allangana lamarcana
Ballabhi-anga
S15
Allium cepa
Onion
S14
Alocasia indica
Arum
S14
Alocasia macrorrhizos
Giant taro
S14
Colocasia esculenta
Taro
S14
Aloe indica
Aloe
S14
Cyathea lunulata
Tree fern
P9
Alsophila spp.
Alsophila
P14
Alstonia scholaris
Devil tree of India
P17
Amaranthus blitum
Purple amaranth
P14
Amaranthus gangeticus
Molten fire
P15
Amaranthus tricolor
Chinese amaranth
P14,17
Amaranthus viridis
Green amaranth
P14,15
Amaranthus spp.
Amaranth
P9
Amorphophallus campanulatus
(=paeoniifolius)
Elephant-Foot Yam
S15
Annona muricata
Soursop
P9,8
Antigonum lepiotus
Antigonon
S15
Alocasia spp.
Elephant ear
S9
Arachis hypogaea
Peanut
P7,9,12,14
Arctium lappa
Greater burrdock
S12
Areca catechu
Betel nut palm
S14
Artocarpus altilis
Breadfruit
P14
Artocarpus heterophyllus
Jackfruit
P7,9,14
Artocarpus spp.
Breadfruit
P7,9,14
Asplenium nidus
Bird’s nest fern
P9,14,8
Averrhoa bilimbi
Blimb
P9,14
Averrhoa carambola
Carambola
S9,14
Basella alba
Ceylon spinach
P14
03/2005-03
Pest Detection and Management Programs
Snail Pests in the Family Achatinidae
C-5
Food Plants
Achatina fulica
TABLE C-4 Primary (P) and secondary (S) food preferences of Achatina fulica
Basella rubra
Malabar spinach
P12,15
Bauhinia accuminata
White dwarf orchard
tree
S14,15
S8
Bikkia mariannensis
Blechum brownei
Browne's blechum
P8
Beta vulgaris
Common beet
S12,17
Boehmeria nivea
Chinese grass
S9,12
Boerhavia diffusa
Boerhavia
P15
Bougainvillea speciabilis
Bougainvillea
P14,15
Bougainvillea spp.
Bougainvillea
P9,14,2
Brassica campestris
Field mustard
S2
Brassica oleracea
Kohlrabi
P7,14
Brassica oleracea var. acephala
Cabbage
P12
Brassica oleracea var. botrytis
Cauliflower
P7,14,15,2,19
Brassica oleracea var capitata
Cabbage
P12,15,2,19
Brassica oleracea var. italica
Sprouting broccoli
P12
Brassica spp.
Cabbage
P7,9
Broussonetia papyrifera
Paper mulberry
S14
Bryophyllum pinnatum
Air plant
P9
Cajanus cajan
Pigeonpea
P17
S8
Callicarpa cana
C-6
Calophyllum inophyllum
Indian laurel
P9
Camellia sinensis
Tea
S12,14
Canavalia gladiata
Sword jackbean
P8
Canna edulis
Arrowroot
P9
Canna indica
Canna
P14,15
Canna spp.
Canna
P9,14
Capparis cordifolia
Maiapilo
S8
Capsicum annuum
Cayenne pepper
S14,19
Capsicum baccatum
Locoto
S14
Capsicum spp.
Chili peppers
S9,12,14,15
Carica papaya
Papaya
P5 7,9,12 14,15,19
Snail Pests in the Family Achatinidae
03/2005-03
Pest Detection and Management Programs
Food Plants
Achatina fulica
TABLE C-4 Primary (P) and secondary (S) food preferences of Achatina fulica
Cassia (=Chamaecrista)
mimosoides
Chamaecrista
P9
Cassia occidentalis
Septic weed
P8
Senna sophera
Kasuandi
S15
Catharanthus roseus
Periwinkle
S14
Centrosema pubescens
Flor de conchitas
P9
Cerbera manghas
Madagascar ordeal
bean
S8
Cereus hildmannianus
Hedge cactus
S12
Cereus spp.
Cactus
S14
Cestrum nocturnum
Night Queen
P17
Cichorium endivia
Endive
P12
Cichorium intybus
Chicory
P12
Chrysanthemum spp.
Chrysanthemum
P15
Cinnamomum tamala
Indian bay leaf
P14,15
Citrullus vulgaris (=lanatus)
Watermelon
P9,14
Citrus limon
Lemon
P7
Citrus reticulata
Tangerine
P14
Citrus sinensis
Sweet Orange
P14
Citrus spp.
Citrus
P9,12,14
Cleome gyandra
Spiderwisp
S14
Clerodendron inerme
Glory bower
S8
Clitoria ternatea
Butterfly pea
P14,15
Coccinia cordifolia
Coccinea
S15
Cocos nucifera
Coconut
S12
Coffea arabica
Arabian coffee
S12,14
Coffea canephora
Robusta coffee
S14
Coffea spp.
Coffee
S9,14
Colocasia antiguorum
Arum
S15
Colocasia esculenta
Dasheen or taro
S9,14,8
Colubrina asiatica
Asian nakedwood
P8
Corchorus capsularis
Jute
P14
Corchorus spp.
Corchorus
P15
03/2005-03
Pest Detection and Management Programs
Snail Pests in the Family Achatinidae
C-7
Food Plants
Achatina fulica
TABLE C-4 Primary (P) and secondary (S) food preferences of Achatina fulica
C-8
Cosmos spp.
Cosmos
P9,14,15
Crinum spp.
Crinum lily
P9,14
Crotalaria anagyroides
Crotalaria
P9
Crotalaria pallida var. obovata
Smooth rattlebox
P9
Cucumis melo
Cantaloupe
P9,14
Cucumis sativus
Cucumber
P9,12,14,
Cucumis spp.
Melon
P14
Cucurbita maxima
Winter squash
P14,15
Cucurbita pepo
Field pumpkin
P9,14,19
Cucurbita spp.
Gourds
P14
Dalbergia sissoo
Indian rosewood
S14
Daucus carota
Carrot
P9,12
Dhalia spp.
Dhalias
S14,15
Dieffenbachia seguine
Dumbcane
S14
Dioscorea alata
GreaterYam
P9,14,15
Dioscorea bulbifera
Air Yam
P17
Dioscorea spp.
Yam
P15
Dolichos spp.
Beans
P15
Dracaena spp.
Dracaena
S14,2
Edgaria darjeelingensis
Squash
S14,15
Elaeis guineensis
Oil palm
S9
Epipremnum aureum
Golden pothos
P12
Epipremnum pinnatum
Pothos
S14
Eranthemum spp.
Eranthemum
S2
Erythrina lithosperma
(=subumbrans)
Erythrina
P9
Erythrina spp.
Erythrina
P14
Eucalyptus deglupta
Indonesian gum
S14
Eucalyptus spp.
Australian gum
S14
Eugenia spp.
Star apple
S15
Euphorbia pulcherrima
Poinsettia
S15
Euphorbia trigona
Sandmat
S9
Falcataria moluccana
Peacocks plume
P 9,14
Snail Pests in the Family Achatinidae
03/2005-03
Pest Detection and Management Programs
Food Plants
Achatina fulica
TABLE C-4 Primary (P) and secondary (S) food preferences of Achatina fulica
Ficus hispida
Fig
P14,15
Ficus tinctoria
Fig
S8
Fragaria x ananassa
Strawberry
P12
Galinsoga parviflora
Gallant-soldier
S12
Gardenia augusta
Gardenia
S14, 15
Gazania rigens
Treasure-flower
P12
Gliricidia sepium
Madre de Cacao
S16
Glycine max
Soybean
P14
Glycine spp.
Beans
P15
Commelina benghalensis
Tropical day flower
S15
Gomphrena globosa
Globe amaranth
S14
Gossypium herbaceum
Cotton
P14,15
Gossypium spp.
Cotton
P9,14
P8
Grewia mariannensis
Gynandropis speciosa
The queen’s plume
P9
Helianthus annuus
Sunflower
S14,15
Hevea brasiliensis
Rubber
P7,9,12,14
S8
Hernandea ovigera
Hibiscus esculentus
Okra
P9,15
Hibiscus mutabilis
Dixie rosemallow
Land-lily
P/S14,15
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis
China rose
P14,15,2,19
Hibiscus spp.
Hibiscus
P9,12,14
Hemigraphis colorata
Broad leaf flame ivy
P12
Impatiens balsamina
Balsam
P14,15
Indigofera suffruticosa
Anil de pasto
P9
Ipomoea alba
Tropical white
morning-glory
P8
Ipomoea batatas
Sweet potato
S9,12,14
Ipomoea pes-caprae
Beach morning glory
P9,8
Pachystachys coccinea
Cardinal’s guard
P12
Jasminum sambac
Jasmine
S14,15
Kakanchoe pinnatum
Kalanchoe
S14
03/2005-03
Pest Detection and Management Programs
Snail Pests in the Family Achatinidae
C-9
Food Plants
Achatina fulica
TABLE C-4 Primary (P) and secondary (S) food preferences of Achatina fulica
Lablab purpureus
Lablab Bean
P14
Lactuca indica
Lettuce
P14,15
Lactuca sativa
Lettuce
P9,12,14,
Lactuca spp.
Lettuce
P14
Lagenaria leucantha
Haired gourd
P9
Lageneria siceraria
Bottle Gourd
P14
Lagenaria vulgaris
Gourd
P15
Lagenaria spp.
Gourds
P14
Laportea crenulata
Tree nettle
P9
Leucaena leucocephala
White leadtree
P9
Catharanthus) rosea
Madagascar
periwinkle
P17
Luffa aegyptiaca
Dishcloth gourd
P5,14,15
Luffa acutangula
Angled luffa
P14,15
Luffa cylindrica
Smooth luffa
P15,19
Luffa spp.
Vegetable sponge
P9,14
Lycopersicon esculentum
Tomato
S9,12,14,15
Manihot esculenta
Cassava
P7,9,12,14
Melanolepis multiglandulosa
Alom
P8
Mentha repens
Hortela
S12
Mimosa invisa (=diplotricha)
Giant false sensitive
plant
P9
Monstera deliciosa
Split leaf
philodendron
S12
Montanoa hibiscifolia
Tree daisy
S9
Morinda citrifolia
Indian mulberry
P9,8
Moringa oleifera
Horseradish tree
S9,14,15
Momordica charantia
Balsam apple
P9,14,15
P14,15
Momordica cochinchinensis
C-10
Momordica spp.
Momordica
P14
Morus alba
White mulberry
S14
Muntingia calabura
Strawberry tree
S8
Musa acuminata x balbisiana
French plantain
P14
Snail Pests in the Family Achatinidae
03/2005-03
Pest Detection and Management Programs
Food Plants
Achatina fulica
TABLE C-4 Primary (P) and secondary (S) food preferences of Achatina fulica
Musa paradisiaca
Plantain
P7,9,14
Musa sapientum
Banana
P15
Musa spp.
Bananas
P12,14,2,19
Nerium spp.
Oleander
S14, 15
Nicotiana spp.
Tobacco
S9
Ochrosia mariannensis
Lipstick tree
S8
Ochrosia oppositifolia
Bwa sousouri
S8
Operculina turpethum
St. Thomas lidpod
P8
Opuntia spp.
Cholla cactus
S9,14
Pachyrhizus erosus
Yam bean
P17
Pandanus spp.
Screwpine
S9,8
Parkia spp.
Parkia
P9
Passiflora foetida
Fetid passionflower
P8
Passiflora spp.
Passion flower
P9,14
Pauinia cupana
Guarana
P12
Pemphis acidula
Small-leafed
mangrove
S8
Phalaenopsis spp.
Moth orchids
S9,14
Vigna radiata
Bean
P9
Phaseolus vulgaris
Kidney bean
P12
Physalis peruviana
Peruvian
groundcherry
P8
Piper nigrum
Pepper
P9,12
Pipturus albidus
Waimea pipturus
P9
Pipturus argenteus
Native mulberry
P8
Pisum sativum
Garden pea
S14/P19
Pisum spp.
Pea
S14
Pluchea indica
Pluchea
S15
Portulaca grandiflora
Purslane
P4
Portulaca oleracea
Little hogweed
P8
Portulaca spp.
Nine-O’Clock
P15
Prunus persica
Peach
P7
Pisidium guaja
Guava
S15
03/2005-03
Pest Detection and Management Programs
Snail Pests in the Family Achatinidae
C-11
Food Plants
Achatina fulica
TABLE C-4 Primary (P) and secondary (S) food preferences of Achatina fulica
S8
Psychotria mariana
Pueraria montana var. lobata
Kudzu
P9
Raphanus sativus
Radish
P/S9,1214,15,19
Tradescentia spathacea
Moses in the cradle
S2
Ricinus communis
Castor
P14,15
Rosa spp.
Roses
S9,14,15,2
Ruta graveolens
Common rue
S12
Saccharum officinarum
Sugarcane
S7,9
Salvia spp.
Sage
S16
Sanchezia nobilis
Sanchezia
P17
Sanseveria trifasciata
Snake Plant
S14
Scaevola sirecea
Naupaka
P9
Sechium edule
Chayote
S12
Semibarbula orientalis
Moss
S15
Sesamum indicum
Sesame
P17
Sinapis arvensis
Charlock mustard
S12
Solanum melongena
Eggplant
S9,12,14/P19
Solanum tuberosum
Potato
S14
Spilanthes acmella
Paracress
P12
Spinacea oleracea
Garden spinach
P14,15
Swietenia mahogoni
Mahogany
S14
Symphytum officinale
Common comfrey
S12
Synedrella nodiflora
Synadrelia
S15
Tabernaemontana divaricata
C-12
P17
Pinwheel flower
Tagetes erecta
African marigold
P14
Tagetes patula
Indian marigold
P14,15,16,19
Tagetes spp.
Marigolds
P14
Tectaria spp.
Halberd fern
P8
Tectona grandis
Teakwood
P9,14
Tephrosia candida
White hoarypea
P9
Tephrosia vogelii
Vogel’s tephrosia
P9
Thea sinensis
Tea
S15
Snail Pests in the Family Achatinidae
03/2005-03
Pest Detection and Management Programs
Food Plants
Achatina fulica
TABLE C-4 Primary (P) and secondary (S) food preferences of Achatina fulica
Theobroma cacao
Cacao
P7,9,12,14
Thespesia populnea
Portia tree
P9,8
Tradascantia spathacea
Moses in the boat or
oysterplant
S14
Trema orientale
Oriental trema
S8
Trichosanthes anguina
Snake gourd
S14
Trichosanthes dioica
Pointed gourd
P17
Tridax argentea
Tridex
S12
Triticum aestivum
Wheat
P5
Vanda spp.
Vanda orchid
S9,14
Vanilla spp.
Vanilla
S14
Vernonia scandens
Vernonia
S15
Vigna marina
Notched cowpea
P8
Vigna radiata
Mung bean
P14,2,19
Vigna sinensis unguiculata
Blackeyed pea
P9,14
Vitis vinifera
Grape
P17
Xanthosoma brasiliense
Cakakib
S9,14
Xanthosoma maffafa
Golden delicious
P12
Zea mays
Corn
S9,12,15
Zinnia linearis
Zinnia
S9,14,15
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Pest Detection and Management Programs
Snail Pests in the Family Achatinidae
C-13
Food Plants
Archachatina marginata
Archachatina marginata
TABLE C-5 Economic food plants of the continental U.S. with potential to become host
plants of Archatina marginata
C-14
Amaranthus spp.
Amaranth
Carica papaya
Papaya
Citrus nobilis
Tangor
Citrus spp.
Citrus
Cucumis sativus
Cucumber
Elaeis guineensis
African oil palm
Eupatorium odoratum
Jack-in-the -bush
Laportea aestuans
West Indian woodnettle
Ipmoea batatas
Sweet potato
Ipomoea spp.
Wild Ipomoea
Lactuca spp.
Lettuce
Manihot esculenta
Cassava
Musa paradisiaca
Banana
Physalis angulata
Cutleaf groundcherry
Portulaca oleracea
Purslane
Psidium guajava
Guava
Sorghum bicolor
Sorghum
Talinum triangulare
Waterleaf
Tridax procumbens
Coat-buttons
Zea mays
Corn
Talinum triangulare
Waterleaf
Snail Pests in the Family Achatinidae
03/2005-03
Pest Detection and Management Programs
Food Plants
Archachatina marginata
TABLE C-6 Primary (P) and secondary (S) food preferences of Archachatina marginata
S1
Acalypha ciliata
Ageratum conyzoides
Goat weed
S1
Amaranthus hybridus
Red amaranth
P6
Amaranthus spinosus
Spiny amaranth
S1P8
Annona muricata
Soursop
P1
S1
Aspilia helianthoides
Bryophyllum pinnatum
Air plant
S1
Carica papaya
Papaya
P1,6,14
Citrus nobilis
Tangor
S1
Citrus paradisi
Grapefruit
S1
Citrus sinensis
Sweet orange
S1
Cleistopholis patens
Otu
P1
Cucumis sativus
Cucumber
S6
Dacryodes edulis
African pear
S1
Elaeis guineensis
Oil palm
S1,6
Chromolaena odorata
Jack in the bush
S1
Fleurya aestuans
West Indian woodnettle
S1
Hevea brasiliensis
Rubber
S1
Ipomoea batatas
Sweet potato
P1
Ipomoea spp.
Wild ipomea
S6
Irvingia gabonensis
Oba
S1
Lactuca spp.
Lettuce
S14
Manihot esculenta
Cassava
P1
Musa paradisiaca
Plantain
P1,6,14
Physalis angulata
Wild tomato
S1
Portulaca oleracea
Little hogweed
S1
Psidium guava
Guava
S1
Rauvolfia vomitoria
Poison devils pepper
S1
Sorghum bicolor
Sorghum
S1
Talinum triangulare
Waterleaf
S1
Telfairia occidentalis
Fluted pumpkin
P6
Theobroma cacao
Cacao
S1
03/2005-03
Pest Detection and Management Programs
Snail Pests in the Family Achatinidae
C-15
Food Plants
Archachatina marginata
TABLE C-6 Primary (P) and secondary (S) food preferences of Archachatina marginata
C-16
Treculia africana
African breadfruit
S1
Tridax procumbens
Coatbuttons
S1
Xanthosoma maffafa
Golden delicious
P1
Xylopia aethiopica
Ethiopian pepper
P1
Zea mays
Corn
S1
Snail Pests in the Family Achatinidae
03/2005-03
Pest Detection and Management Programs
Food Plants
Limicolaria aurora
Limicolaria aurora
TABLE C-7 Economic food plants of the continental U.S., with potential to become host plants of Limicolaria
aurora
Abelmoschus esculentus
Okra
Cucumis sativus
Cucumber
Dioscorea spp.
Yam
Elaeis guineensis
African oil palm
Helianthus tuberosus
Jerusalem artichoke
Ipomoea batatas
Sweet potato
Phaseolus vulgaris
Bean
Piper nigrum
Pepper
TABLE C-8 Primary (P) and secondary (S) food preferences of Limicolaria aurora
Abelmoschus esculentus
Okra
P10
Cucumis sativus
Cucumber
P10
Dioscorea spp.
Yam
P10
Elaeis guineensis
Oil Palm
S14
Gmelina arborea
White teak
S4
Helianthus tuberosus
Jerusalem artichoke
P10
P13
Hibiscus loculentus
Ipomoea batatas
Sweet potato
P10
Phaseolus vulgaris
Kidney bean
P10
Piper spp.
Pepper
P10
References
1. Ajayi et al 1978
2. Balasubramanian & Kalayanasundaram 1974
3. Duah & Monney 1999
4. Duke 1983
5. Esobe 1986
6. Hodasi 1986
7. Kakoty & Das 1987
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Snail Pests in the Family Achatinidae
C-17
Food Plants
References
8. Lange 1950
9. Mead 1961
10. Mead & Palcy 1992
11. Okafor 1989
12. Paiva 2004
13. Palcy & Mead 1993
14. Raut & Barker 2002
15. Raut & Ghose 1984
16. Smith & Fowler 2003
17. Singh & Roy 1977
18. Smith 1989
19. Thakur 1998
C-18
Snail Pests in the Family Achatinidae
03/2005-03
Pest Detection and Management Programs
D
Pest Alert 81-35-009
1
Snail Pests in the
Family Achatinidae
03/2005-03
Pest Detection and Management Programs
New Pest Response Guidelines
Snail Pests in the Family Achatinidae
D-1
Pest Alert 81-35-009
FIGURE 16-9 USDA/APHIS Pest Alert 81-35-009; page 1
D-2
Snail Pests in the Family Achatinidae
03/2005-03
Pest Detection and Management Programs
Pest Alert 81-35-009
FIGURE 16-10 USDA/APHIS Pest Alert 81-35-009; page 2
03/2005-03
Pest Detection and Management Programs
Snail Pests in the Family Achatinidae
D-3
Pest Alert 81-35-009
D-4
Snail Pests in the Family Achatinidae
03/2005-03
Pest Detection and Management Programs
E
Program Aid No. 1808
1
Snail Pests in the
Family Achatinidae
03/2005-03
Pest Detection and Management Programs
New Pest Response Guidelines
Snail Pests in the Family Achatinidae
E-1